NEW Amazon of the Week 09/14/2010 - The Blue Cheeked Amazon

[GoDiego]

Introducing this weeks Amazon of the Week:

 

The Blue Cheeked Amazon (Amazona Dufresniana) also known as the Dufresne's Amazon

 

Distribution / Range

 

There exact range in the wild is uncertain and they have been recorded from North Guyana, North East Surinam, North East French Guiana, East Venezuela in La Gran Sabana and area of Sierra de Lema, East Boliviar, Northern Amapa and Roraima. There is also a possibility that this Amazon can be found in North East Brazil, where sightings have been reported. Although there occurrence seems probable, there are no conclusive records as yet. The scarcity of records from prequently surveyed areas suggests that this is a low density and rather uncommon specicies, at least in some parts of its range.

 

The Blue Cheeked Amazon inhabits humid forest and cloud forest in the lower subtropical zone but is also know in the Savanna Woodlands in Venezuela. In Suriname they are said to visit coastal forests in July-August apparently in response to food availability.

 

Although there is no known population estimate for the Blue Cheeked Amazon they are listed as a Near-Threatened species on the IUCN list. Trapping for the wild bird trade and habitat loss are thought to be the main reasons for a possible decline.

 

Natural Habitat and Breeding

 

The Blue cheeked Amazon can be found in pairs or small flocks with larger groups at communal roost at night. They mainly keep to the forest canopy resting and feeding amongst the topmost brances of the tall forest trees during the daytime, and flies higher above the canopy than other parrots. Because of this behaviour it partially explains the scarcity of data available on this bird. At present there are no reliable records of the Blue Cheeked Amazon's preferred food, habits, breeding season, nests or clutch sizes exist.

 

Diet

 

Although no reliable records exist of the Blue Cheeked preferred food, it is thought to feed on tree berries and seeds.

 

Description

 

The Blue Cheeked Amazon is one of the larger species of Amazons weighing between 480-600g and measuring 34cm (13.3 inches). Both adults have a green body, and as their name would indicate they have bright blue cheeks that fade to a violet-blue towards the ear coverts. The forehead and crown are a mixture of orange and yellow. The beak is grey with pink/red at the base of the upper mandible. Whilst a juvenile, the beak is pale pink tinged grey.

 

They have a very placid temperment and are less active than many other Amazons. These beautiful Amazons are very rare as a pet and therefore not much is known on their behaviour in a captive environment.

 

Wild Call of the Blue Cheeked Amazon

http://www.xeno-canto.org/sounds/uploaded/KRQYNRSSDF/AMAZDUFR_cri_petitsaut_3B-02.mp3

 

 

 

Further reading:

http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1672&m=0

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

http://www.arkive.org/blue-cheeked-amazon/amazona-dufresniana/#text=FurtherInfo

[Jayd]

Wow, nice Zon, Thanks again Caroline, Wonderful thread, Looking for more!!! Jayd