Double Yellow-headed Amazon

Overview

The Double Yellow-headed Amazon is a large, robust parrot native to Mexico and parts of Central America, historically also found in Belize and Honduras. Adults are striking for having the whole head washed in yellow rather than a partial patch.

• One of the largest Amazon species by body size
• Heavy pale-horn to grey bill
• Short, broad, squared tail

Feather Identification

Adult head and nape feathers are entirely yellow, distinguishing this species from Amazons with only a nape patch (Yellow-naped Amazon) or a forehead patch (Blue-fronted, Red-lored). Body feathers are a rich green, each with a fine darker edge creating a subtly scalloped appearance on the back and covert feathers.

• Flight feathers: Green primaries and secondaries, often with a red patch visible in the secondaries during flight
• Wing bend: A small red patch at the leading edge of the wing (carpal area) in many individuals
• Tail feathers: Green with pale yellow-green tips

The combination of a fully yellow head and red carpal patch, without a colored forehead crescent, helps separate feathers of this species from other Amazons.

Sexes look alike. The amount of yellow on the head increases with age; young birds show mostly green heads with limited yellow restricted to the forecrown, gradually extending over several years until the whole head is yellow in full adults. Molt is gradual and continuous rather than a single seasonal event.

This Amazon occupies tropical lowland forest, forest edge, mangroves, and semi-open savanna with scattered trees across its Mexican and Central American range. It is largely sedentary, though flocks may shift locally to track fruiting trees and roosting sites.

Double Yellow-headed Amazons are social and vocal, gathering in pairs within flocks and at communal roosts. Their diet includes fruit, seeds, nuts, and blossoms taken from the forest canopy. They nest in tree cavities, and pairs cooperate in raising a small clutch of chicks. The species is well known for a loud, resonant voice with a wide repertoire of screeches and whistles.