Blue-cheeked Amazon

Overview

The blue-cheeked amazon (Amazona dufresniana), also known as Dufresne's amazon, is a Near Threatened species of parrot found in northern South America. It is a monotypic species formerly classified as a subspecies of the red-tailed amazon.

Identification

• Adults measure 34 to 37 cm in length and weigh 481 to 615 g, with sexes appearing alike in plumage.
• Mostly green body with a yellow crown and ochre lores; the lower face, sides of the neck, and throat are lavender blue.
• Bill is dusky with a red base on the upper mandible, and legs are grey.
• Highly vocal when not feeding, producing a loud, nasal 'queenk-queenk-queenk' call and a gurgling, babbling song.

Habitat

Found from eastern Venezuela east through Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, extending slightly into northern Brazil. It inhabits humid lowland forests and foothills in the tepui zone, as well as forests on coastal sand ridges in Suriname, ranging from sea level to 1,700 m in elevation.

Diet

Feeds mostly in the forest canopy, though its specific diet is almost unknown and is assumed to consist of seeds, fruits, and blossoms similar to those of other Amazona parrots.

Did you know?

The species is thought to be generally sedentary, but individuals make seasonal movements between the Suriname interior and coast, and it travels in single-species flocks of up to approximately 30 birds.