Lora Andina
Southern Mealy Amazon (Mealy Parrot)
Amazona farinosa
Song
Southern Mealy Amazon (Mealy Parrot)
Appearance: Medium to large parrot, about 14-16 inches in length. Predominantly green feathers with a bluish or grayish crown. The face often shows a yellowish or orange blush, and the flight feathers may have blue tips. Bright yellow and red markings are found on the underwing and tail. Distinctive yellow or orange eyes and a strong, curved beak that is usually horn-colored to gray.
Habitat: The Southern Mealy Amazon prefers lowland tropical rainforests, but they can also be found in savannas, wetlands, and lightly wooded areas. They are commonly found in the Amazon Basin, especially in regions like Caquetá, Putumayo, and parts of Guaviare and Vaupés.
Behavior: Highly social and often observed in small to large flocks, which can increase in size during feeding. Known for loud and raucous vocalizations, which they use for communication with their flock members. Mainly herbivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers. They are skilled foragers and often search for food in the canopy.
Breeding: They typically nest in tree cavities, often utilizing old woodpecker holes or natural hollows. The breeding season generally coincides with the rainy season. Females lay about 2-4 eggs, which both parents help incubate. The incubation period lasts about 26-28 days, and the chicks fledge around 8-10 weeks after hatching.
Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Amazon Basin: This is the primary habitat for the Southern Mealy Amazon, especially in areas such as Caquetá, Putumayo, and Amazonas departments, where dense tropical rainforests provide ample food and nesting sites.
Vaupés Department: Known for its rich biodiversity, Vaupés features suitable habitats for the Southern Mealy Amazon, including lowland forests and riverine ecosystems.
Guaviare Department: They can also be found in Guaviare, where there are extensive forested areas and savannas that they utilize for foraging and nesting.
Cesar Department: Some populations extend into the northern regions, specifically in Cesar, where they inhabit similar forest environments.
Lower Magdalena Valley: Although less common, sightings have also been reported in parts of the lower Magdalena Valley, where fragmented habitats may still support their presence.
Taxonomy
The Southern Mealy Amazon (Mealy Parrot) (Amazona farinosa)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Amazona
- Species: Amazona farinosa
Vocalization
Communication: These parrots use vocalizations to communicate with each other, conveying messages about their location, social interactions, and environmental conditions.
Social Interaction: Vocal calls help maintain social bonds within flocks. Engaging in vocal exchanges fosters relationships among individuals and enhances group cohesion.
Territorial Assertion: Males often use loud calls to assert territory and establish dominance within a specific area. This vocalization can deter intruders and signal their presence to other birds.
Attracting Mates: During the breeding season, vocalizations play a crucial role in courtship. Males may call to attract females and demonstrate their fitness as potential partners.
Emotional Expression: Different vocalizations can indicate various emotional states, such as excitement, distress, or contentment. For example, alarm calls might signal danger, while softer calls can indicate comfort.
Parent-Offspring Communication: Vocalizations are vital for communication between parents and their chicks, helping ensure that the young are cared for and safe.
