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Photo: © Marc Junio eBird S131524507 Macaulay Library ML548318611
northern-festive-amazon

Northern Festive Amazon

Amazona bodini
Lora Festiva Norteña
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Song

Northern Festive Amazon

Appearance: Medium-sized parrot, approximately 14 inches in length. Predominantly green with notable yellow and red markings. They have a bright red cap on the head and yellow accents on the wings and tail, which may also feature blue flecks. Bright yellow eyes and a strong, hooked beak that is typically horn-colored.

Habitat: The Northern Festive Amazon prefers tropical and subtropical forests, often inhabiting areas with dense vegetation. In Colombia, they are mainly found in the northern regions, specifically in departments such as Arauca, Casanare, and Vichada, where humid environments support their needs.
Behavior: Highly social, often seen in small to medium-sized flocks that can increase during foraging. Known for their loud, raucous calls, which help maintain communication among flock members and can indicate excitement or alarm. Primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers. They are adept foragers, often located in the canopy.
Breeding: Typically nest in tree cavities, often utilizing natural hollows or abandoned woodpecker holes. The breeding season usually coincides with the rainy season. Females lay about 2-5 eggs, which both parents incubate for approximately 25-28 days. Chicks fledge around 9-10 weeks after hatching.

Conservation Status: The Northern Festive Amazon is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

North Eastern Colombia: The species is primarily located in northern regions, particularly in Arauca, Casanare, and Vichada departments, where tropical forests and savanna woodlands provide suitable habitats.

Taxonomy

The Northern Festive Amazon (Amazona (festiva) bodini)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Amazona
  • Species: Amazona (festiva) bodini

Vocalization

Loud Calls: Northern Festive Amazons are known for their loud, raucous calls. These calls can carry over long distances, which helps communicate with other members of their flock, especially in dense forest habitats.

Chirps and Squawks: They produce a range of sharp chirps and squawks that convey different emotions, from excitement to alarm. These sounds are often used to signal danger or when interacting with other birds.
Social Interactions: Vocalizations play a crucial role in maintaining social bonds within flocks. Through vocal exchanges, they coordinate activities and communicate their locations to other group members.

Contact Calls: Softer, more subdued calls may be used for maintaining contact between flock members during foraging or movement, aiding in the cohesion of the group.
Mimicry: Northern Festive Amazons are capable of mimicking certain sounds from their environment, including some human speech, especially when socialized in captivity.