Mealy Parrot
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| Amazona farinosa (Boddaert, 1783) |
The Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) is one of the largest Amazon parrot species.
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[edit] Range and common names
The Mealy Parrot has a range from southern Mexico south into northern Bolivia and eastern Brazil. They commonly inhabit the sparse Amazon Rainforest in this region. The species is called the Mealy Amazon in the United States and the Blue-crowned Mealy Parrot in the United Kingdom.
[edit] Physical description
Mealy Parrots typically are 38-40 cm (14.96-15.75 inches) tall from the tip of the tail to the head and typically weigh between 540 to 700 g (19.01-24.64 ounces). Some Mealy parrots, however, are much larger than this.
Though less colorful than related parrot species, Mealy Parrots have a patch of blue, purple, or violet on the top of their heads. Along with the purple or blue crown, Mealy Parrot sometimes have patches of yellow on the head and usually have a green or mostly green body, with tail feathers being light green or lime at the tip. Some Mealy Parrots have a light blue/teal sheen to their green coat, and an undercoat of yellow, blue, purple, red, and/or teal. The beaks are usually yellowish. The eyes are a reddish-orange color, and underneath the eyes are usually white unfeathed rings.
This species is often divided into subspecies:
- A.f. farinosa (Brazil, Venezuela, parts of Colombia). Red carpel edge, yellow feathers on head.
- A.f. inornata (Colombia, northwest South America). Few (if any) yellow feathers on head, carpel edge dull yellow. Tends to be larger and duller than A. f. farinosa. Often called "plain colored amazon"
- A.f. chapmani (Ecuador, southern Colombia). Similar to A.f. inornata, but larger. Taxonomists often question the validity of this subspecies, considering them to be unusually large A.f. inornata.
- A.f. virenticeps (Central America). Yellow carpel edge. The overall feathering tends to be more yellowish.
- A.f. guatemalae (Western Central America, southern Mexico). Similar to A.f. virenticeps, except sides of head and crown are blue. Often called "blue-crowned amazon."
[edit] Behavior
The Mealy Parrot is social and can be found in pairs or in large flocks. They are even known to interact with other parrots, such as macaws. They are usually quiet but can be loud at dusk and dawn.
[edit] Reproduction
When Mealy Parrots reach sexual maturity they usually form monogamous relationships with a single partner.
Courtship usually begins in early spring. The hen will usually lay three eggs, which she incubates for 28 days. The male will eat for both himself and the female during the incubation period. He will regurgitate the food for the feTHIS IS A LOS
[edit] Diet
The diet of the Mealy Parrot consists mostly of fruits, seeds, berries, nuts, blossoms, and leaf buds.
[edit] Conservation
Trafficking of the birds (as for exotic pets) is illegal in many nations, but the species are still smuggled into the United States from Mexico. In some areas Mealy Parrots are hunted as food. The Mealy Parrot sometimes feeds on human crops (especially corn) and may be considered a crop pest.
The Mealy Amazon is commonly bred in captivity.
[edit] Sources
- Sholty, Kathleen. "Amazona farinosa (mealy parrot)." Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. 2006. [1]
- BirdLife International (2004). Amazona farinosa. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
