Papers by Fabio Olmos et al. (1997) and Joseph (2000) independently recommended that Pfrimer's Parakeet be considered a species, separate from White-eared Parakeet Pyrrhura leucotis, on the basis of geographical variation in plumage, morphometry, habitat requirements and biogeography. Prior to these papers it was treated as a race of the White-eared Parakeet. The HBW and Birdlife International Checklist confirms this treatment and changes the English name to Goias Parakeet. Clements and eBird also confirm this treatment but use the English name Pfrimer's Parakeet It is confined to a small area of deciduous forest in Goiás.

There is an illustration in HBW, Volume 4, Page 438.