Tucuman Amazon

Overview

The Tucumán amazon, also known as the alder parrot, is a vulnerable species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to parts of Argentina and Bolivia and is currently considered monotypic.

Identification

• Mostly green plumage with black edges on the body feathers, creating a scaly appearance.
• Approximately 31 cm long with a weight of 250 to 280 g.
• Red forehead, bare white skin surrounding the eye, and orange-yellow lower thighs in adults.
• Produces a variety of screeches, shrill shrieks, and lower-pitched barks, including a yelping flight call.

Habitat

Found in the Yungas bioregion from Santa Cruz and Chuquisaca departments in Bolivia south to Catamarca Province in Argentina. It inhabits montane woodland characterised by pure stands of alder or Podocarpus parlatorei, typically between 1,600 and 2,600 m in elevation.

Diet

Feeds on the fruits and seeds of Podocarpus parlatorei, which makes up nearly a quarter of its diet, alongside other native and introduced plants. During winter, its food is dominated by Acacia seeds, and it also consumes flowers.

Did you know?

Nest success for the Tucumán amazon is directly related to the availability of Podocarpus parlatorei fruits. The species is currently classified as Vulnerable, with its population estimated at fewer than 15,000 mature individuals and declining due to trapping for trade.