Yucatan Amazon

The Yucatan amazon, also known as the yellow-lored amazon, Yucatan parrot, or yellow-lored parrot, is a vibrant species of parrot that graces the skies with its predominantly green plumage. Adult males boast a striking chrome yellow on their lores and the sides of their forehead, while the rest of the forehead and most of their crown are a contrasting white. The area around and behind their eye is a vivid red, and their ear coverts are dusky. Their rear crown shimmers in greenish blue, and their nape is green, with the rest of their upperparts and underparts a yellowish green. The feathers are edged in black, creating a scalloped appearance. Their tail feathers are a mix of green with pale yellowish green tips, and red streaks near the base. The wings are adorned with red on the leading edge and primary coverts, while the primaries and secondaries are a rich blue. The iris is orange, encircled by bare white skin, and the bill and legs are yellow. Adult females are similar but have a greenish blue forehead and crown, paler yellow lores, less red on the face, and green primary coverts.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Yucatan amazon, look for the distinctive yellow lores and white forehead in males, as well as the red facial markings and blue-tinted rear crown. Females will have less pronounced colors and more green on the forehead. The scalloped feather pattern due to the black edges is also a key characteristic.

Habitat

This species thrives in the interior and edges of deciduous and semi-deciduous forests, both primary and secondary, as well as in pine savannahs. They are typically found at elevations from sea level up to about 100 meters.

Distribution

The Yucatan amazon is native to the Yucatán Peninsula, including Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche, with populations extending into northern Belize and Isla Cozumel. There have been sightings on the Honduran island of Roatán and in northern Guatemala.

Behaviour

Yucatan amazons are social birds, often seen in flocks of thirty or more, moving between roosting and foraging sites. Roosts can be quite large, sometimes containing up to 1500 individuals.

Song & calls

These parrots are highly vocal, except when feeding. Their calls include a barking "rek-rek-rek-rek" or "rek-rek rek-rek rrehr," a rolled "reeeah-h," a "kyeh-kyeh keeei-i-iirr," and a screechy "ree-o-rak zeek ree-o-rah."

Breeding

The breeding season for the Yucatan amazon is not fully described but is thought to occur from March to May. They nest in tree hollows or stumps, laying clutches of four or five eggs. Incubation lasts 22 to 28 days, but the time to fledging and details of parental care remain unknown.

Diet and Feeding

While the specific diet of the Yucatan amazon has not been thoroughly studied, it is believed to include seeds, fruits, flowers, nuts, legumes, and crops, similar to the diet of the white-fronted amazon.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Yucatan amazon as Least Concern, with an estimated population of 20,000 to 50,000 mature individuals. However, the population is believed to be decreasing due to threats such as logging, the pet trade, and the development of vacation properties which may destroy and fragment their habitat.