Scaly-naped Amazon

Overview

The scaly-naped amazon, Amazona mercenarius, is a species of parrot found along the Andes in northern South America. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though evidence suggests its population may be in decline. The bird is also known by several common names, including the scaly-naped parrot and Tschudi's amazon.

Identification

• Adults measure 34 cm in length and are predominantly bright green with dark green feathers tipped with dull black from the crown to the nape.
• Eyes are red with a pale gray eye-ring; the first to third secondary wing feathers feature red bases, while the carpal edge is mixed yellow, red, and orange.
• The bill is gray and horn-colored, though juveniles have a pale horn bill tinged with gray and brown eyes.
• Vocalisations include a variety of calls, most notably a repeated ka-lee.

Habitat

Found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela between elevations of 800 and 1,900 m. It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests, as well as open woodland, ridges, and wooded valleys in the paramo zone. Within its range, it is typically the only species of its genus present.

Diet

The species feeds on figs and other fruits, and may also consume maize. Foraging occurs in the morning and afternoon, with large flocks moving between communal roosts and feeding areas.

Did you know?

This shy bird selects nesting areas that are usually inaccessible, with eggs measuring 35.5 mm × 28.0 mm. The subspecies A. m. canipalliata is distinguished by having hidden maroon marks instead of the red speculum found on the wing feathers of the nominate form.