The blue-cheeked amazon, also known as blue-cheeked parrot or Dufresne's amazon, is a Near Threatened species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Brazil, the Guianas, and Venezuela.
Region
Guiana Shield and northeastern Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs in northern South America, especially in the Guianas, northeastern Brazil, and southeastern Venezuela. It favors humid lowland rainforest and adjacent foothill forest. Birds use forest edges, riverine corridors, and clearings with tall trees for feeding and roosting. They often move between intact terra firme forest and semi-open areas following fruit availability.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Dufresne's amazon, this parrot is noted for its vivid blue cheeks contrasting with a largely green body. It forms noisy flocks that commute between feeding and roosting sites and nests in tree cavities. Habitat loss and trapping pressure have affected parts of its range. It is protected in several areas across the Guianas.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small to medium flocks, with larger groups forming at favored roosts. Monogamous pairs nest in tree cavities, often returning to traditional sites. Flock movements track fruiting trees across the landscape.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and rolling squawks, especially in flight. At roosts and feeding sites they produce a mix of chatters and whistles, with softer contact calls within pairs.
Plumage
Mostly green with distinct blue cheeks and throat; feathers often show dark edging giving a slightly scalloped look on the face and breast. Red is present on the bend of the wing, and the tail has yellowish fringes. Underparts are green with subtle bluish washes on the head and neck.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds, including those of palms and large canopy trees. It also takes flower buds and occasionally nectar. Foraging is mostly in the mid- to upper canopy, where birds move methodically between fruiting crowns. Seasonal availability of key trees can influence local movements and flock size.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in intact rainforest and along forest edges where fruiting trees are abundant. River margins and natural clearings with tall emergents are frequently used. It may visit secondary growth when fruit is plentiful.
