Yellow-headed Amazon

The Yellow-headed Amazon is a large, striking parrot native to lowland tropical forest, riverine woodland, and mangroves of Mexico and Central America. Its bright yellow head plumage, which increases with age, sets it apart from other green amazon parrots in its range.

Highly intelligent and vocal, this species has long been sought after in aviculture for its talking ability, a demand that, combined with habitat loss, has led to significant declines and conservation concern for wild populations.

• Body is green overall, with darker green edging giving a slightly scaled appearance on the back
• Head shows a yellow patch that varies in extent by subspecies and age, from a partial cap to an almost entirely yellow head
• Shoulder has a red patch, most visible when the wing is extended
• Flight feathers show blue and sometimes red patches near the base, visible in flight
• Tail is green with a yellowish tip in some individuals
• Distinguished from other amazon parrots by the extent and color of yellow head feathering combined with the red shoulder patch

Adults show a yellow head that becomes more extensive with age, from a small area around the crown and face in younger birds to nearly the entire head in some mature individuals, particularly in certain subspecies. Sexes look alike in plumage. Juveniles have little to no yellow on the head, appearing mostly green, and gradually develop yellow feathering with successive molts over several years.

This species inhabits lowland tropical forest, riverine woodland, and mangrove habitats across Mexico and parts of Central America, generally in humid or seasonally flooded lowlands. It is largely resident, though some local movement occurs in response to seasonal food availability, and its range has become increasingly fragmented due to habitat loss.

Yellow-headed Amazons feed on fruit, seeds, nuts, and blossoms, foraging in pairs or small flocks within the canopy. They nest in tree cavities, often reusing the same nest sites across years. The species is highly vocal, with loud squawks and screeches, and is well known for its capacity to mimic sounds, a trait that has contributed to its popularity and consequent trapping pressure in the wild.