red-lored-amazon-1600
Photo: © Paul Jones eBird S61762584 Macaulay Library ML 189980861
red-lored-amazon

Red-lored Amazon

Amazona autumnalis
Lora Frentirroja
map-colombia-red-lore-amazon
bird-song-square

Song

Red-lored Amazon

Appearance: Medium-sized parrot, approximately 36 cm (14 in) in length. Green feathers with distinctive red markings on the forehead and lores (the area between the eye and beak). They have blue and yellow accents on the wings and tail. Bright yellow eyes and a strong, curved beak that is horn-colored.

Habitat: The Red-lored Amazon is found in tropical and subtropical forests. They thrive in lowland rainforests, as well as savannas with scattered trees. They are found in regions such as the Amazon Basin in Caquetá, Putumayo, and parts of Amazonas.
Behavior: Highly social and often observed in small to medium-sized flocks. They are seen in pairs during breeding season. Known for their loud and varied vocalizations, including squawking and chattering, which serve to communicate with flock members and reinforce social bonds. Herbivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers. They are skilled foragers in the canopy.
Breeding:  The Red-lored Amazon nest in tree cavities, often using natural hollows or abandoned woodpecker holes. The breeding season generally coincides with the rainy season. Females lay 2-5 eggs, and both parents assist in incubation, which lasts about 26-28 days. The chicks fledge approximately 8-10 weeks after hatching.

Conservation Status: The Red-lored Amazon is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Distribution

The Red-lored Amazon is found mainly in the northern regions in the Magdalena Valley and in the Caribbean coastal areas. It is also found in the Chocó Region

Taxonomy

The Red-lored Amazon (Amazona autumnalis)
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Aves (Birds)
  • Order: Psittaciformes
  • Family: Psittacidae
  • Genus: Amazona 
  • Species: Amazona autumnalis

Vocalization

Loud Calls: These parrots are known for their loud, raucous calls that can carry over long distances. These calls are used for communication within flocks and alerting other members to their presence.

Chirps and Squawks: Red-lored Amazons produce a series of sharp chirps and squawks, especially when excited or alarmed. These vocalizations can indicate various emotional states or reactions to potential threats.
Mimicking Abilities: While they are not as renowned for mimicry as some other Amazon species, Red-lored Amazons can mimic certain sounds from their environment, including human speech and household noises, particularly when adequately socialized.

Contact Calls: They use softer, more subdued calls to maintain communication with flock members during foraging or while in transit. These calls help reinforce social bonds within the group.
Situational Vocalizations: The type and intensity of vocalizations may vary based on context, such as during breeding seasons or when interacting with other birds or humans.