Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis
Taxonomy
Scientific name:
Amazona autumnalis
Family:
Psittacidae
Genus:
Amazona
Species:
autumnalis
Common names:
Red-lored amazon, red-fronted amazon, yellow-cheek parrot
Biology
Morphology:
The red-lored amazon is 32 to 35 cm in length, with a weight of 310 to 480 g. The plumage is primarily green, with a red forehead and, in some subspecies, yellow cheeks (sometimes with red spots). The crown is blue. Adult males and females do not differ in plumage. Juveniles have less yellow on the cheeks, less red on the forehead, and dark irises.
Reproduction:
Red-lored amazons are mature sexually at about 4 years old. They nest in tree cavities and lay 3 to 4 white eggs. The incubation period takes about 26 days and the chicks leave the nest about 60 days after hatching.
Diet:
The red-lored amazon enjoys eating seeds, fruit, nuts, berries, greens, blossoms and buds. They have a very strong beak which enables them to crack nuts with ease.
Ecology
Range:
From eastern Mexico south through Central America to northwestern Venezuela and to the Gulf of Guayaquil in Ecuador.
Habitat:
They inhabit humid evergreen and semidecidous forests up to 1,100 m above sea level. They also are found in semi-open areas with isolated trees or small patches of forest.
Threats
Deforestation and illegal trafficking for the pet trade. IUCN Red List: Least concern.