Lora Cabeciamarilla
Yellow-crowned Amazon (Parrot)
Amazona ochrocephala
Song
Yellow-crowned Amazon (Parrot)
Appearance: Medium-sized parrot, approximately 12-14 inches in length. Predominantly green with a striking yellow crown on the head, which varies in intensity among individuals. The wings may feature blue secondary feathers and the tail is red at the tip. Bright yellow eyes and a strong, curved beak that is generally horn-colored.
Habitat: The Yellow-crowned Amazon is typically found in tropical and subtropical forests. They thrive in areas with moist forest, including both lowland and foothill forests. Their distribution includes regions such as the Amazon Basin, particularly in Caquetá and Putumayo, as well as parts of the Cauca Valley and Chocó regions.
Behavior: Highly social birds often found in pairs or small groups, and they can sometimes form larger flocks, especially when foraging. Known for their loud and cheerful vocalizations, which serve to communicate with other members of their flock and can include both calls and the mimicking of sounds. Primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers. They are known to forage in the canopy.
Breeding: They typically nest in tree cavities, utilizing natural hollows or abandoned woodpecker holes. The breeding season usually coincides with the rainy season. Females lay 3-5 eggs, and both parents assist in incubation, which lasts about 26-30 days. The chicks fledge approximately 10-12 weeks after hatching.
Conservation Status: The Yellow-crowned Amazon is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.
Distribution
Amazon Basin: This is one of the primary habitats for the Yellow-crowned Amazon, particularly in Caquetá, Putumayo, and Amazonas departments, where dense tropical forests provide ample resources.
Cauca Valley: The Yellow-crowned Amazon is also found in the Cauca Valley, an area characterized by its rich biodiversity and suitable habitats for foraging and nesting.
Chocó Department: They inhabit the moist, tropical rainforests of the Chocó region, where the environment supports their foraging needs and nesting requirements.
Meta Department: Populations can be observed in parts of Meta, where they inhabit similar lowland forest areas.
Orinoco River Basin: There are also reports of Yellow-crowned Amazons near the Orinoco River, particularly in the eastern regions of Colombia that border this river.
Taxonomy
The Yellow-crowned Amazon (Yellow-crowned Parrot) (Amazona ochrocephala)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Amazona ochrocephala
- Species: Amazona ochrocephala
Vocalization
Communication: Vocalizations are essential for maintaining social interactions within flocks. These parrots use various calls to convey their locations and alert each other to potential dangers.
Social Bonding: Vocal exchanges help strengthen social ties among group members. Parrots often engage in communal vocalizations, reinforcing relationships within their social structure.
Territorial Defense: Males may use loud calls to establish and assert territory, signaling their presence to deter intruders and communicate dominance.
Attracting Mates: During the breeding season, vocalizations play a key role in courtship. Males call to attract females, showcasing their health and vigor.
Emotional Expression: Different vocalizations can indicate a range of emotional states, such as excitement, distress, or contentment. For example, alarm calls may be used in response to perceived threats.
Parent-Offspring Interaction: Vocalizations are crucial for communication between parents and their chicks, helping to ensure that the young are cared for and safe.
