AMAZON PARROTS

Amazona spp.

BIRD

Order Psittaciformes


Description

About 14 inches long and 1 lb; females slightly smaller. Wingspan 17-18 inches. Green with various markings on the head, tail, throat, and underparts of the wings.

Range

Central and South America

Status

Since the preferred habitat of Amazon parrots is tropical forest, one of the most serious threats to parrots is destruction of the forests. The other threat to parrots is the pet trade. All parrot species are protected by regulated commercial trade, and several Amazon parrot species are listed as endangered, with commercial trade prohibited.


Photo © James P. Rowan Photography

 

Ecology

Habitat
canopy of tropical forests; tree hollows are nest sites.
 
Niche
mostly fruit, nut and seed eaters, but will take an occasional insect or worm. Predators include large tree snakes and arboreal cats. Diurnal and arboreal; gregarious; usually found in flocks; has a wide range of vocalizations for communicating in dense foliage. Not territorial, but they will defend their nest. Can be seen preening one another.

Life History

Mating is non-seasonal. incubation takes S-4 wks and clutch size is variable (2-8 eggs). The altricial young are covered with downy feathers and are fed by both parents; young fledge at 11 wks. Parrots as a group are quite long-lived; 30-50 yrs is not uncommon, and 80 yrs has been reported.

Special Adaptations

  • Short, hooked beak used for climbing as well as cracking seeds and, nuts.
  • Fleshy, thick tongue used to manipulate food items in the mouth.
  • Grasping feet used for climbing as well as holding food.
  • Colorful plumage serves as camouflage in the tropical forest canopy.