Yellow-naped Amazon (alternate: Yellow-naped Parrot)

A large, stocky parrot with a short tail. The bird is mostly green with a distinctive yellow patch on the nape of the neck and red patches on the wing bends. Known for their powerful flight and loud, raucous calls.

Dorsal surface is primarily a deep forest green transitioning to a dark, almost black primary cover. The outer web features a vibrant blue-violet iridescence. The ventral side is more matte and grey-green.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for flight efficiency; the base shows slight plumulaceous (downy) texture

The rachis is thick, stiff, and pale at the base (calamus), becoming darker and more tapered toward the tip. Barbs are extremely dense to withstand air pressure.

Smooth and glossy on the upper surface with a slight oily coating for waterproofing; the vane is stiff and resilient

Outer wing (Primary); the strong asymmetry and narrow leading edge are designed to provide lift and thrust during flight

Heavy asymmetry, bicolored vane (green and deep blue-violet), and a thick light-colored rachis characteristic of Psittacidae flight feathers

Tropical deciduous forests, gallery forests, and scrubland mangals; also found in agricultural areas with scattered trees

Pacific coast of Mexico through Central America to northwestern Costa Rica

Primary seed disperser for many tropical hardwood trees; their messy eating habits allow seeds to drop and germinate away from the parent tree.

Mealy Amazon (Amazona farinosa) feathers are larger and less vibrant; Red-lored Amazon (Amazona autumnalis) feathers have different color distributions on the secondary flight feathers.

Yellow-naped Amazons are among the best mimics in the parrot world, capable of perfectly imitating human speech and complex melodies. They are also highly social and long-lived, often reaching 50+ years.

Highly prized in the illegal pet trade due to their talking ability; used historically by indigenous groups for ornamentation and in folk traditions throughout Central America

Look for these beneath large fruiting trees or known roosting sites in coastal Central America; the blue flash on the outer vanned primaries is diagnostic.

Good condition; minor fraying on the trailing edge suggests natural wear or 'molt-out' rather than damage from a predator