Turquoise-fronted Amazon

Overview

The turquoise-fronted amazon, also known as the blue-fronted parrot, is a South American species of amazon parrot. It is one of the most common amazon parrots kept in captivity as a pet or companion, with its common name derived from the distinctive blue or turquoise marking on its head above the beak.

Identification

• A mainly green parrot approximately 38 cm long, featuring blue feathers on the forehead above the beak and yellow on the face and crown.
• Distinguished from most other Amazona parrots by its mostly black beak.
• Juveniles appear duller with dark irises, while adult plumage shows significant individual variation in the distribution of blue and yellow.

Habitat

Found in forests, woodland, savanna, and palm groves across eastern and northern Bolivia, eastern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. The species generally avoids extensive humid forests such as the Amazon basin.

Did you know?

Although primarily a wild species, illegal trade and escaped caged birds have paradoxically expanded its range, making it common in Rio de Janeiro and even establishing small feral breeding populations in Stuttgart and Genoa.