Yellow-naped Amazon

About

The Yellow-naped Amazon is a large, predominantly green parrot known for the distinctive yellow patch on its nape. It is highly intelligent and vocal, often sought after in the pet trade, which has significantly impacted its wild populations. This species is native to Central America and is recognized for its strong flight and social behavior.

Size & lifespan

Length

33-38 cm (13-15 in)

Wingspan

Approximately 60-70 cm (24-28 in)

Weight

480-680 g (17-24 oz)

Lifespan

Up to 50-60 years in captivity, likely shorter in the wild (20-30 years)

Diet

Herbivore (frugivore, granivore, florivore)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Predominantly bright green plumage. The most distinguishing feature is a prominent yellow patch on the nape (back of the neck). Some individuals may have scattered yellow or red feathers on the head or wings. The primary flight feathers are dark blue to black, and the secondary flight feathers have red speculums (patches). The tail is green with a yellowish-green tip, and the outer tail feathers have red bases.

Beak shape

Strong, hooked, dark grey to black beak, often with a lighter horn-colored tip on the upper mandible.

Eye color

Orange with a pale periophthalmic ring (bare skin around the eye).

Leg color

Greyish-pink to dark grey.

Distinguishing features

The bright yellow patch on the nape is the key identifier. The overall robust build, green coloration, and strong, hooked beak are also characteristic.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but have a smaller or absent yellow nape patch, which develops with age (typically appearing after the first year). Their eyes are usually dark brown, gradually changing to orange as they mature.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The yellow nape patch may become more vibrant with age.

Sexual dimorphism

Monotypic; males and females are visually identical in plumage. Sexing typically requires DNA analysis or surgical sexing.

How to identify

1. 1

   Nape Patch

   Look for the bright yellow patch on the back of the neck (nape). This is the most definitive field mark for adults.

2. 2

   Overall Coloration

   Observe the predominantly vibrant green plumage. Note the dark blue/black primary flight feathers and the red speculum on the secondary flight feathers, visible in flight or when wings are spread.

3. 3

   Beak and Eye

   Note the dark grey to black, strong, hooked beak and the orange eyes with a pale periophthalmic ring.

4. 4

   Vocalizations

   Listen for their loud, varied calls, including squawks, screeches, and whistles. Their distinctive calls are often heard before they are seen, especially during morning and evening flights.

5. 5

   Flight Pattern

   Observe their strong, direct flight with relatively shallow wing beats, often in pairs or small groups.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical dry forests, deciduous forests, gallery forests, open woodlands, savannas with scattered trees, and sometimes agricultural areas with remnant trees.

Geographic range

Pacific slope of Central America, from southern Mexico (Oaxaca, Chiapas) through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northwestern Costa Rica.

Elevation range

Primarily lowlands, from sea level up to approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet), occasionally higher.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas with mature trees for nesting and roosting, often near water sources. They adapt to human-modified landscapes if sufficient food and nesting sites are available.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal. Most active during early morning and late afternoon, foraging and flying between roosting and feeding sites.

Feeding habits

Feeds primarily on fruits, nuts, seeds, berries, flowers, and leaf buds. They forage in the canopy of trees, often in pairs or small flocks. They are known to be destructive to crops like corn and mangoes in agricultural areas.

Social behavior

Highly social birds, typically seen in pairs or small family groups during the day. They form large communal roosts in tall trees at night, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, especially outside the breeding season. They are monogamous and form strong pair bonds.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct, and purposeful flight with relatively shallow wing beats. They often fly in pairs or small groups, maintaining vocal contact. When flying over long distances, they can reach considerable speeds.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout its range; no significant migratory movements. They may undertake local movements in search of food resources.

Territoriality

Pairs are territorial around their nest site during the breeding season, but less so during non-breeding periods when they join larger flocks.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically from February to May, varying slightly by geographic location and rainfall patterns.

Nesting habits

Nests in tree cavities, often in tall, mature trees, including dead snags. They do not construct a nest but lay eggs directly on the wood debris at the bottom of the cavity. Nest sites are often reused year after year.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs, most commonly 3.

Egg description

White, elliptical eggs. Average size is approximately 37 x 29 mm.

Incubation period

Approximately 26-28 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge (leave the nest) around 56-65 days after hatching. They remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after fledging.

Parental care

Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, though the female does most of the incubation. The male feeds the female during incubation and helps provision the young after hatching.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Calls. Yellow-naped Amazons are very vocal. Listen for their loud squawks and screeches, especially at dawn and dusk when they fly to and from communal roosts.
2. Scan Tree Canopies. They spend much of their time foraging in the upper canopy of tall trees. Use binoculars to scan for movement and their green plumage against the foliage.
3. Visit Roosting Sites. If known, visiting communal roosting sites at dusk can offer excellent viewing opportunities as large numbers gather.
4. Look for Feeding Activity. Observe fruiting trees, especially during their breeding season, as they will be actively feeding. Look for discarded fruit pieces or flowers on the ground beneath trees.
5. Be Patient and Quiet. While vocal, they can be wary. Approach quietly and patiently to observe their natural behavior without disturbing them.

Similar species

Quick facts

Conservation Status:

Endangered (due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade)

Diet:

Fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, leaf buds

Habitat:

Tropical dry forests, woodlands, savannas

Social Behavior:

Highly social, forms large communal roosts

Distinguishing Mark:

Bright yellow nape patch

Fun facts

• Yellow-naped Amazons are renowned for their exceptional ability to mimic human speech and other sounds, making them highly prized in the pet trade.
• The extent of the yellow nape patch can vary among individuals and tends to increase in size and vibrancy with age.
• They are known to form strong, lifelong pair bonds and often fly in close proximity to their mate.
• Despite their bright green plumage, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot in the dense canopy of trees, relying on their camouflage.
• Their diet includes a wide variety of plant matter, and they play an important ecological role as seed dispersers.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Psittaciformes

Family

Psittacidae

Genus

Amazona

Species

Amazona auropalliata

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