Turquoise-fronted Amazon
Amazona aestiva
Large, frequently encountered parrot of woodlands, savannas, and open areas. The body is bright green with a blue forehead and a yellow crown. The amount of yellow on the head varies between individuals and regions; some having mostly yellow faces. The amount of red or yellow on the shoulders also varies. In flight shows large red patches on the inner wings.
Identification
The blue-fronted amazon is a mainly green parrot about 38 cm (15 in) long. They have blue feathers on the forehead above the beak and yellow on the face and crown. Distribution of blue and yellow varies greatly among individuals. Unlike most other Amazona parrots, its beak is mostly black. There is no overt sexual dimorphism to the human eye, but analysis of the feathers using spectrometry, a method which allows the plumage to be seen as it would be by a parrot's tetrachromatic vision, shows clear differences between the plumage of the sexes. Juveniles of parrots are duller and have dark irises.
Taxonomy
The blue-fronted amazon was one of the many species originally described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. Its specific epithet is the feminine form of the Latin adjective aestivus, "of the summer". Two subspecies are recognized:<p>The taxon xanthopteryx has been treated as a separate species, but the two subspecies interbreed freely where they come into contact.<p>Additionally, there are significant individual variations in both facial pattern and amount of yellow/red to the "shoulder". In one extreme, individuals with essentially no yellow on the head and entirely green "shoulders" are known from north-western Argentina.
- Scientific name
- Amazona aestiva
- Authority
- (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Amazona
Range and habitat
The range of the blue-fronted amazon extends over eastern and northern Bolivia, eastern Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It is found in forests (though generally avoids extensive humid forests such as the Amazon), woodland, savanna and palm groves.<p>A small feral breeding population is also present in the greener regions of Stuttgart in Germany. Although they have been observed in the wild in Puerto Rico, they are probably the result of escaped pets, and no reproduction has been recorded.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Eremopterix nigriceps
Small, finchlike lark of arid zones with strong sexual dimorphism. Male is striking with black underparts, whitish cheeks, and black crown. Female is overall gray-brown overall and lightly-streaked; best identified by short, heavy bill. In flight shows dark underwing coverts and black tail (from above black tail sides). Breeds on desert plains with scattered bushes. Song is a repetitive short phrase of clear, high-pitched whistles. Call is a short, buzzing "Zzz" or "Zik, zik…"
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Gallus varius
Fancy-looking “chicken” endemic to Java and the Lesser Sundas, from Bali east to Alor. Also introduced to the Cocos Islands. Dark, iridescent male is distinctive, with dark-centered orange and yellow feathers on the back and wings. Also note his bright blue-and pink comb and large red wattle. Female is dull brown with dark spotting, and also has a blackish tail and pale pinkish face; compare with female Red Junglefowl, which is warmer-colored overall, with more orangeish tones. Inhabits open forests, forest edges, and scrub from lowlands into foothills. Scratches about on the ground singly, or in small groups. Gives an incredibly hoarse crow: “krewwarewwah!”
Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
Medium-sized owl with deep black eyes; strictly nocturnal and infrequently seen. Brown to gray overall with a big rounded head. Favors woodland, forest, parkland, urban areas and churchyards with large trees; tends to roost well hidden in foliage during the day, when may be detected by tracking down the excited sounds of small birds mobbing the owl. Comes out at night to hunt in clearings and more open areas. Most often detected by its quavering hoots and "kee-wik!" shrieks, given at night.
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