Red-lored Amazon

Overview

The Red-lored Amazon ranges from eastern Mexico south through Central America into northern South America, occupying humid lowland and foothill forest. It shows a distinctive tricolor head pattern.

• Medium build among Amazon parrots
• Red confined to the forehead and lores, not the whole crown
• Cheek patch color varies geographically from yellow to plain green

Feather Identification

Forehead and lore feathers are bright red, immediately followed by a blue band across the crown, with the rest of the head green (and, in some populations, a yellow patch on the cheek). Body feathers are a solid green with a subtle darker edging on the back.

• Flight feathers: Green primaries and secondaries; some individuals show a small red patch in the secondaries
• Tail feathers: Green with pale yellow-green tips
• Head pattern: Red-lore-then-blue-crown sequence separates it from the all-blue forehead of the Blue-fronted Amazon and the graded red-to-lilac crown of the Lilac-crowned Amazon

Because cheek-patch yellow varies by population, the red lore plus blue crown band is the most consistent identifying combination.

Sexes look alike. Juveniles show a reduced red lore patch and little to no blue crown band, both developing with maturity. Molt is gradual and continuous through the year rather than a single distinct period.

This species occupies humid lowland and foothill tropical forest, forest edge, and adjacent semi-open woodland from Mexico through Central America into parts of Colombia and Ecuador. It is generally resident, with local movements tied to fruit availability.

Red-lored Amazons travel in pairs or flocks, feeding on fruit, seeds, and blossoms in the forest canopy, and gathering at communal roosts in the evening. Nesting occurs in tree cavities, with both parents caring for the brood. The species gives loud, varied calls, including harsh screeches, especially during flight to and from roosts.