Blue-cheeked amazon

The blue-cheeked amazon, scientifically known as Amazona dufresniana and also referred to as the blue-cheeked parrot or Dufresne's amazon, is a species of parrot native to South America. It is found in a range spanning from extreme eastern Venezuela through the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana) and into northern Brazil. This species is recognized for its primarily green plumage, distinguished by unique markings of lavender-blue on its cheeks, sides of the neck, and throat, complemented by yellow on its forehead and crown.

Physical Description and Size

Adult blue-cheeked amazons typically measure between 34 to 37 cm (13 to 15 inches) in length, with a weight ranging from 481 to 615 grams (17 to 22 ounces). The sexes are alike in appearance. Their plumage is predominantly green, with ochre coloring on the lores and immediate forehead. The forehead and crown are yellow with green tips on the feathers. The distinctive lavender-blue coloration adorns the lower half of their face, the sides of their neck, and the sides of their throat. The nape, upperparts, and underparts are green, with the feathers on the nape and side of the neck displaying black edges that create a scalloped effect. Tail feathers are green with yellow tips, and wing feathers include yellowish-green carpal edges, black primaries with blue outer webs, and inner secondaries with pale blue tips. Outer secondaries are bright yellow or orange, also tipped with pale blue. Their iris is blackish, their bill is dusky with a red base on the maxilla, and their legs and feet are gray. Immature birds resemble adults but exhibit less blue on the head and duller yellow on the crown.

Distribution and Habitat

The blue-cheeked amazon inhabits a variety of forest environments. In the tepui zone of Venezuela and Guyana, it is found in humid lowland forests and foothills. In Suriname, it has been observed in forests on coastal sand ridges during certain parts of the year. Its altitudinal range extends from sea level up to 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) in Venezuela. The species' specific habitat requirements are not fully understood, indicating an area where further research is needed.

Behavior and Diet

This species is generally considered sedentary, though some individuals may undertake seasonal movements between the interior and coastal regions of Suriname. Blue-cheeked amazons typically travel in single-species flocks, which can comprise up to approximately 30 birds. They are highly vocal, except during feeding times. Characteristic calls include loud, raucous, and throaty "queenk-queenk-queenk" sounds with a nasal quality, emitted both from perches and in flight. They also produce harsher notes and a gurgling, babbling song. The diet of the blue-cheeked amazon is not extensively documented, but like other Amazona parrots, it is presumed to consist of seeds, fruits, and blossoms. They are primarily observed feeding in the forest canopy.

Breeding and Conservation

Most available information on the breeding biology of the blue-cheeked amazon comes from observations of captive birds. In captivity, they typically lay a clutch of three eggs, with an incubation period ranging from 23 to 26 days. The IUCN has assessed the blue-cheeked amazon as Near Threatened. The species has a somewhat restricted geographic range, and its estimated population, between 6,000 and 61,000 mature individuals, is believed to be declining. Historically, the pet trade had a significant impact, although this has lessened considerably since the late 20th century. Currently, logging in its habitat is considered the major threat, exacerbated by gold and other mining activities. While considered rare to uncommon across most of its range, it is noted as common in the small portion of its distribution within Venezuela.

Taxonomy

The blue-cheeked amazon is considered monotypic, meaning it has no recognized subspecies. Historically, the red-browed amazon (A. rhodocorythra) was once treated as a subspecies of the blue-cheeked amazon, and at other times, both were considered subspecies of the red-tailed amazon (A. brasiliensis). The specific epithet, dufresniana, commemorates the French zoologist Louis Dufresne.