Lora Andina
Scaly-naped Amazon (Parrot)
Amazona mercenarius
Song
Scaly-naped Amazon (Parrot)
Appearance: The Scaly-naped Amazon measures around 12-13 inches in length. Predominantly green body with darker green feathers on the back, giving it a "scaly" appearance. Notable markings include a distinctive red forehead and a blue patch near the eyes. The wings have yellow and red highlights, and the tail includes a mix of green and red. Bright yellow-orange eyes and a strong, curved beak that is generally horn-colored.
Habitat: Found primarily in lowland tropical forests, both in primary and secondary growth. They can also inhabit mangroves, coastal forests, and areas near water sources. They are typically found in the Caribbean lowlands, particularly in regions like the Magdalena Valley and along the northern coasts.
Behavior: Highly social and often found in pairs or small to medium-sized flocks. Known for loud, raucous calls, which they use for communication within their flocks. Primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, and occasionally flowers. They are adept at foraging in canopy levels.
Breeding: They typically nest in tree cavities, often occupying sites abandoned by other birds. Breeding season usually occurs during the rainy season. The female lays about 2-4 eggs, with incubation lasting around 26-28 days. Both parents help care for the chicks, which fledge after approximately 8-10 weeks.
Conservation Status: The Scaly-naped Amazon is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Caribbean Coast: This is one of the primary habitats, including areas like Santa Marta and Cesar departments, where they thrive in tropical forests and mangroves.
Northern Lowlands: They are typically found in the lowland forests of the northern parts of the country, particularly in Sucre and Bolívar departments.
Magdalena Valley: They can be spotted in areas along the Magdalena River, where the habitat includes humid tropical forests and riparian zones.
Chocó Department: Some populations inhabit the humid, tropical rainforest areas along the Pacific coast, where the environment is rich in biodiversity.
Amazon Basin: While their primary distribution is in the northern regions, they may also be found in lower-density populations in parts of the southern Amazon regions of Colombia.
Taxonomy
The Scaly-naped Amazon (Parrot) (Amazona mercenarius)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Amazona
- Species: Amazona mercenarius
Vocalization
Communication: Vocalizations are essential for social interactions among flock members. They use various calls to convey messages about their location, alert others to potential dangers, or coordinate activities within the group.
Social Bonding: These parrots vocalize to strengthen social bonds within their flock. Engaging in vocal exchanges can reinforce relationships among individuals.
Territorial Establishment: Male Scaly-naped Amazons may use vocalizations to establish territory. Loud calls can signal their presence and assert dominance in a particular area, deterring other birds from encroaching.
Attracting Mates: During the breeding season, vocalizations can be crucial for attracting mates. Males often vocalize to demonstrate health, vigor, and suitability as partners.
Emotional Expression: Different vocalizations may indicate various emotional states, such as excitement, distress, or contentment. For instance, louder calls may indicate alarm, while softer tones may signify comfort or happiness.
Parent-Offspring Interaction: Vocalizations play a role in communication between parents and chicks, helping reinforce bonds and ensuring the safety and care of the young.
