Amazon of the Week * 4/11/10

[Jayd]

Red-lored AmazonYellow Cheek Amazon

Family: Psittacidae

 

This week's Amazon is the Red-lored Amazon, also known as a Yellow Cheek Amazon is definitely a beautiful bird, no matter how you look at it. Whatever the name you prefer, it's fitting as the lore (forehead) is red, the "cheeks" are yellow and the crown is blue. The Red-lored Amazon or Yellow Cheek Amazon has an overall green coloring. The wings are a spectacular array of color; green with red in the middle and blue on the outer edges and on the tips. The eye is orange with a white ring around it. The beak is gray but with a yellow horn color on the upper portion and the legs are greenish gray. Juveniles will have less red on the lores and forehead, the cheeks may have some green, and the eye is dark brown.

These Amazons are found in Central America from eastern Mexico to the peninsula of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. They inhabit the canopies of woodland and forest trees in tropical zones along the Caribbean coasts from eastern Mexico south to northern Nicaragua. There are a number of subspecies including:

+ Salvin's Amazon Parrots, Amazona autumnalis salvini (Salvadori, 1891)

# Northern Nicaragua south to Colombia and Venezuela

+ Lilacine Amazons, Amazona autumnalis lilacina (Lesson, 1844)

# Western Ecuador North of the Gulf of Guayaquil

+ Diademed Amazon Amazona autumnalis diadema (Spix, 1824)

# Lower Rio Negro area, central / northwestern

Mature birds are about 13 1/2 inches (34 cm) long from the head to the tip of the tail with a wingspan from 15 to 17 inches (38 to 43 cm). The average weight is 310-480g.

This beautiful amazon is regarded as a wonderful pet, being very gentle, affectionate, and loyal. They display less aggressive behavior than many of the other popular amazons. Although capable of being quite loud at times, the Red-lored Amazon is not considered to be the best talker. Some will be good talkers while others will only say a couple of words.

As is true with all Amazons, they are very social and enjoy the company of people as well as other birds. They will form very strong bonds with their owner, becoming fast friends and exhibit total confidence. They are also a hardy robust bird and can do well in either a cage or an aviary.

 

 

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/amazons/RedLoredAmazon.php'>http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/amazons/RedLoredAmazon.php

http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/amazons/RedLoredAmazon.php

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

[judygram]

The red lored is one of my favorites of the amazons, I really like the red forehead on these birds and they are brilliantly colored elsewhere.

 

I look forward to each week's entry and it seems they are more beautiful by the week.

[Luvparrots]

I truly enjoy the weekly amazon profiles. The Red-Lored Amazon is a very beautiful little parrot. I love the little yellow cheeks! Thanks Jay!

[katana600]

This thread is like taking a tropical vacation to an exotic place. These birds are fascinating and extraordinary in their colors and descriptions. I learn something new every time I log in. Thanks Jay and to all the other contributors to your contests as well. I'm glad we have an Amazon room to live vicariously through members who have more than one bird.

[danmcq]

What a wonderful post on the Red Lored Amazon.

 

Thanks for the summary, photos and links for more information. :-)

[JillyBeanz]

They are absolutely beautiful birds - I too love "Amazon of the Week". I read each thread and article intently - and to be honest, if I was thinking about another bird, an Amazon would be top of the list. Thanks Jay - I'll be sad the day we run out (but there's tons left to enjoy)!!