Red-lored amazon

Amazona autumnalis

Photo by John C. Avise (Avise's Birds of the World)

Common name:
red-lored amazon (en); papagaio-diadema (pt); amazone à lores rouges (fr); loro cariamarillo (es); gelbwangenamazone (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species occurs in two disjunct populations. One is found from south-eastern Mexico down to western Colombia and Ecuador, while the other is found in central Brazil in the lower Rio Negro area.

Size:
These birds are 32-35 cm long and weigh 315-485 g.

Habitat:
Red-lored amazons are mainly found in rainforests, but also in mangroves, swamp forests, dry tropical forests, second growths, dry scrublands and plantations, from sea level up to an altitude of 1.100 m.

Diet:
They are strictly herbivorous, eating seeds, fruit, nuts, berries, greens, blossoms and buds.

Breeding:
The red-lored amazon breeds in January-June. They nest in tree cavities, where the female lays 2-5 white eggs. The female incubates the eggs alone for 25-28 and the chicks are fed by both parents until fledging, which takes place 8-10 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and a global population estimated at 500.000-5.000.000 individuals. the population is suspected to be declining owing to habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of exploitation due to its use as a food source, for its colourful feathers that are used in ceremonial dances and for the international pet trade.