We report the first molecular detection of Leishmania infection (subgenus Viannia) in the yellow-faced parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops), at a wildlife rehabilitation center located in the city of Campo Grande, Brazil, an endemic area for leishmaniasis.PCRs targeting kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and the Inline - Tools and Lube small subunit of ribosomal RNA of Leishmania spp.were performed, both positive, followed by the sequencing of the amplified region of the SSU rDNA gene, Beginner / Beginner+ which confirmed the identity of the parasite.This is the first report of success obtained in the use of PCR targeting the IRBP (Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein) gene as an internal control in the molecular diagnosis of pathogens in bird species.