Red-necked Amazon
Amazona arausiaca
A chunky and gregarious resident of wet upland forests; often found in flocks of up to 15 birds. Its green body, bluish head, and orange-red spot on upper chest readily separates this species from the Imperial Parrot, the only other parrot sharing its range, as well as parrot species commonly kept in captivity. The largely blue underwing, often seen in flight, is also distinctive. Calls include a shrill “chur-lu-weeek” with the final note louder and higher pitched, plus a shrill, almost trilled, “cureeek.”
Identification
The red-necked amazon gets its name because of its orange and reddish feathers found on its lower throat.<p>The bird also sometimes has blue feathers on its forehead, around the eyes and its head. Although, the blue feathers verge to wither away to gray feathers at its upper breast. The rest of its body is covered in deep bottle green feathers and a wide band of yellow color runs down to the tip of its tail. The beak and feet are both grey. These birds average about 40 cm in length and can weigh between 550 and 650 g.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Amazona arausiaca
- Authority
- (Müller, PLS, 1776)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittacidae
- Genus
- Amazona
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Nomadic movement
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
American Three-toed Woodpecker
Picoides dorsalis
Inconspicuous and uncommon woodpecker of coniferous forests, particularly spruces, often at high elevations (especially in the Rockies). Prefers recently burned areas or bogs with many dead trees. Distinctive habit of flaking bark off trees in search of grubs; behavior shared only by Black-backed Woodpecker. Generally dark with barred flanks and subtle white spots on wings and back. Face is black with white stripes above and below the eye and white speckles on the forehead. Eastern birds darker than western birds. Males show yellow patch on crown; sexes otherwise alike. Most similar to Black-backed Woodpecker but American Three-toed always shows some white on back and more white on head. Listen for soft, hollow "pweek" call and slow drumming that fades at the end.
Green-backed White-eye
Zosterops xanthochroa
A classic small greenish-yellow white-eye species with bold white eye-rings. Common in more humid habitats throughout New Caledonia; mostly replaced by Silvereye in drier and more disturbed areas, though the two can be found together. Green-backed is plainer overall than Silverye, without any contrasting plumage apart from the eyering. Has a typical white-eye vocal repertoire, with a high-pitched wheezy warbling song and high-pitched piercing quavering call notes.
Canary Islands Chaffinch
Fringilla canariensis
Dapper little finch endemic to the Canarias, where it inhabits a range of habitats, from forests to farmlands. Handsome, brightly colored male has a blue-grayish cowl, pale orangish face and breast, and a black-and-white wing pattern (colors muted in winter). Female much drabber but shares male pattern; especially note the complex wing pattern. Both sexes have white outer tail feathers, often striking in flight such as when flushed. Song is a somewhat buzzy series of up-and-down notes; calls include a somewhat sparrow-like “dwee!”
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