Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Red-crowned Amazon (Amazona viridigenalis)
Red-crowned Amazon

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

The Red-crowned Amazon, also known as the Red-crowned Parrot, Green-cheeked Amazon, or Mexican Red-headed Parrot, is a vibrant bird adorned with a bright red forehead and crown. Its plumage is predominantly green, accented with a dark blue streak behind the eyes and light green cheeks. Underneath their wings, one may find splashes of red and blue, and their tails are tipped with a subtle yellow. A distinctive white eye-ring highlights their eyes, which can vary from bright yellow to deep red, though juveniles display gray eyes until they reach maturity. These birds have horn-colored beaks and ceres, occasionally marked with black, and their legs are either beige or gray. They measure approximately 11–13 inches in length and have a wingspan of 15–16 inches, with an average weight of 270 grams.

Identification Tips

To identify the Red-crowned Amazon, look for its signature red crown and forehead, blue streak behind the eyes, and light green cheeks. The white eye-ring is a key feature, and the bird's size and coloration under the wings can aid in identification. Unlike some Amazon parrots, they are not sexually dimorphic, so genetic testing is required to determine gender.

Habitat

The Red-crowned Amazon is native to the lowland forests of northeastern Mexico, where it thrives in the lush greenery.

Distribution

This species is endemic to northeastern Mexico and has been observed in southern Texas. It is a resident bird, meaning it does not migrate but may travel locally in search of food. Feral populations have established themselves in urban areas of southern California, southern Florida, and Oahu, Hawaii. In Texas, particularly the Rio Grande Valley, there are significant populations, although they are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Behaviour

Red-crowned Amazons are gregarious, forming large flocks and are most vocal during morning and evening. They exhibit a characteristic screech when moving to new feeding areas. Their diet includes seeds, fruits, flowers, and nectar. They nest in tree cavities and are known for their expressive eye pinning, which indicates excitement. Their behavior is relatively easy to interpret, with various signs indicating their mood, from anger to contentment.

Song & calls

These amazons are known for their loud calls, particularly when in flocks, which can be heard over long distances.

Breeding

They reach sexual maturity at around five years and mate for life. The female incubates her eggs for about 28 days, with an average of four eggs per clutch. Fledglings begin at nine weeks old, and these birds prefer to nest in colonies, often returning to the same cavity annually unless disturbed.

Similar Species

While there are no similar species mentioned, it is important to distinguish the Red-crowned Amazon from other Amazon parrots by its unique coloration and range.

Diet and Feeding

Red-crowned Amazons feed on a variety of seeds, fruits, flowers, and nectar, foraging in the wild and adapting to available food sources in urban environments.

Conservation status

The Red-crowned Amazon is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a decreasing population due to illegal trapping for the pet trade and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of this striking species.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Red-crowned Amazons on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More African & New World Parrots

A photo of a Yellow-faced Parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops)

Yellow-faced Parrot

Alipiopsitta xanthops
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Hip An
Fantastic
Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vids🦉🦅
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
BCHphotography_
Such a great app!
I didn’t think I could enjoy birding more but this app makes it so much better. Some great features and a really great way to share your sightings with your friends or fellow birders nearby or around the world! ❤️
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Birdafan
Ideal Birdwatch Companion
Simply adds to the enjoyment of my birdwatching and helps me record what I’ve seen.
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.