ORDER

Psittaciformes (Parrots)

FAMILY

Psittacidae

HABITAT AND RANGE

Along Pacific slope of Central America from eastern Oaxaca, southern Mexico, south to north-western Costa Rica. They reside in tropical rainforests.

IDENTIFICATION

Forehead and crown green; variable yellow band across lower nape and hind-neck. Bill is dark gray, paler towards base of upper mandible. They are generally 14-15 inches in length and weigh 480-550 grams. They are generally lighter and brighter colored than other Amazons.

DIET

Fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, blossoms, and probably leaf buds.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

Probably nests in the hollow of a live tree on a layer of chips. Female lays usually 3 glossy eggs. The eggs incubate for 26-28 days and hatchlings can leave the nest as soon as 3 months after hatching. Amazon parrots form lifelong monogamous pair bonds. Like larger parrots, they have long life spans reaching 70 years.

NOTES

They are strong fliers and fly quite high when traveling long distances. Call is a reiterated screeching; also a variety of metallic shrieks and whistling notes. Loss of habitat through large-scale deforestation is the primary pressure adversely affecting these parrots. Generally abundant but in specific localities over hunted as pets. Illegal capture and sale of these birds contributes to declining wild populations.