Southern Mealy Amazon

The Southern Mealy Amazon, or Southern Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa farinosa), stands as one of the more sizable members of the Amazona genus, the amazon parrots. This predominantly green bird measures a substantial 38–41 cm (15–16 in) in length.

Identification Tips

Upon closer inspection, one notes the mealy ("flour") texture over the bird's back and nape, giving it a whitish tinge as if dusted with flour. The tail exhibits a bi-colored appearance, with the distal half being paler and more yellow than the basal half. In flight, a bluish-black trailing edge of the wing and a striking red speculum are visible. Occasionally, a few yellow feathers may adorn the head.

Habitat

The Southern Mealy Amazon is a denizen of humid to semi-humid forests, occasionally venturing into plantations. It is seldom found in deciduous forests and, in drier regions, is confined to gallery forests or absent altogether.

Distribution

This species calls the tropical regions of Central and South America its home.

Behaviour

In the wild, these social birds may be seen in pairs or large flocks, sometimes mingling with other parrot species, including macaws. Typically quiet, their vocalizations become more pronounced at dawn and dusk. In captivity, they are celebrated for their gentle and placid nature.

Song & Calls

The Southern Mealy Amazon's vocalizations are distinct from those of similar species, contributing to its unique auditory identity.

Breeding

Upon reaching sexual maturity, these birds tend to form monogamous pairs. Courtship commences in early spring, with the female laying three to four white eggs in a tree cavity. The female incubates the eggs for approximately 26 days, during which the male provides regurgitated food. The chicks fledge around 60 days post-hatching.

Similar Species

The Yellow-crowned Amazon may be mistaken for the Southern Mealy Amazon but can be differentiated by the latter's larger size, less yellow on the crown, broader white eye-ring, and the red on the wing's leading edge located near the phalanx.

Diet and Feeding

A diet rich in fruits, seeds, berries, nuts, blossoms, and leaf buds sustains the Southern Mealy Amazon.

Conservation Status

While generally common across its range, the species has experienced local declines due to habitat loss and illegal trapping for the pet trade. In some regions, they are hunted for food or considered pests for feeding on crops such as corn. Despite these challenges, the Southern Mealy Amazon is bred in captivity with some regularity.