Amazon of the Week, 3/7/10

[Jayd]

This week's Amazon is the Red-browed, Red-topped or Red-crowned Amazon Parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha). The Red-browed Amazon is among the largest of Amazon parrots, adults averaging ~ 13.8 - 15.7 inches (~35 - 40 cm) in length and 13.2 - 22.9 oz (375 - 650 g) in weight - with males usually being heavier. The most distinctive feature of the species is the red forehead and crown, which fades toward the nape to a reddish-purple tinged with blue. The lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird's head) are yellow-orange with cheeks and neck blue. They have a horn-colored upper beak that becomes pink at the base, orange-brown irises and grey legs. Their eyes are large and visually appealing. Males and females look alike. Although the yellow lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird's head) may extend downward on to the throat in females, whereas in males the lower part of the lores is blue. There are exceptions and the only way to guarantee the gender is to DNA test.

Young birds look like adults, but the hindcrown becomes washed with green. The occiput to the back of neck is green. The feathers are edged black and the lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird's head) are yellow. The ear coverts (feathers covering the ears) to forecheeks and throat are blue. There is a little red on the bases of the two outermost secondary feathers and a little red on the side tail feathers. The bill is pale pink tipped with grey/white and the eyes are brown.

They are endemic to Central-eastern Brazil where they inhabit humid lowland forests to montane forests (interior highlands to 3300 feet or 1000 meters) and estuarine mangroves. Red-browed Amazons like to roost and feed in the tops of primary forest trees, and are usually seen in groups, occasionally even large flocks, intermingling with other parrot species, specifically the Orange-wing Amazons.

Fun Fact: Red-topped Amazon Parrots often roost and feed together with Orange-Wing Amazons.

Once a common parrot in its range, the Red-Brow Amazon is now extinct across a large portion of its natural range due to deforestation, human encroachment and poaching or trapping for the pet trade. There are so few left that some populations are genetically isolated. It is estimated that there is 250 mature birds or less left in the wild.

Efforts are being made to save this species through captive breeding programs but the Red-topped Amazon is one of the most endangered of all neotropical parrots. The species may only survive in captivity. Unfortunately, captive numbers are not large and the gene pool is limited. Many of the captive birds are closely related.

Due to its critically endangered status, it really is highly recommended that any captive ` specimen be placed into a well-managed breeding program.

 

 

 

http://ibc.lynxeds.com/video/red-browed-amazon-amazona-rhodocorytha/bird-bush-opening-bill-second-individual-appearing

http://www.avianweb.com/redbrowedamazonparrots.html

http://www.parrots.org/index.php/encyclopedia/profile/red_browed_amazon/

[Luvparrots]

Hail the Red-crowned Amazon Parrot. Another great thread for the amazons. Thanks Jay, I enjoy learning about these comic little fellows.

[katana600]

This is yet another of the range of beautiful amazons. It is amazing there are so many subspecies and such an array of color. If one of these "specimens" was a companion of mine, I don't think I could surrender it to a breeding program though. That would be a wrenching decision. Thanks for keeping us up to date on this fascinating introduction to the many Amazons.

[judygram]

What a pretty bird, another beautiful amazon, such colors, thanks for this week's entry in the amazon of the week.