The festive amazon, also known as the festive parrot, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela. It is associated with forest and woodland growing near major rivers. Locally, it is also found in coastal mangroves. There are two subspecies; A. f. festiva and A. f. bodini.
Region
Amazon and Orinoco basins, northern South America
Typical Environment
Occupies lowland rainforest closely associated with large rivers, especially seasonally flooded várzea, gallery forests, and river-edge woodlands. It also uses river islands and oxbow lakes where tall trees provide nesting cavities and roost sites. In some areas it ventures into coastal mangroves and adjacent secondary growth. Human-altered edges along rivers are sometimes used if large trees persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the festive parrot, it inhabits riverine forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Two subspecies are recognized: A. f. festiva and A. f. bodini, the latter sometimes treated as a separate species by some authorities. It is highly vocal, especially at dawn and dusk, and may gather in sizable communal roosts near waterways.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats over open water
Social Behavior
Often found in pairs or small to medium flocks, with larger groups forming at communal roosts near rivers. Breeds in tree cavities, typically in tall floodplain trees, and pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging. Courtship involves mutual preening and synchronous calling.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing squawks and rolling chatter that carry over long distances along river corridors. In close quarters it gives softer grating notes and whistles; it is capable of varied mimicry in captivity.
Plumage
Predominantly bright green with a blue-tinged crown and a reddish forecrown/lores; wings show darker blue primaries and a faint red at the bend. Tail is green with bluish tips and slight yellowish wash beneath. Feathering is sleek with minimal barring on underparts.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits, seeds, and nuts, including various palm fruits and riverine tree berries. It also takes flower buds and occasionally leaf material. Diet varies seasonally with flood pulses that alter fruiting schedules along rivers.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of river-edge forests and seasonally flooded várzea, moving between fruiting trees. Frequently travels along river channels to reach feeding sites and may descend to edges of clearings or mangroves when food is abundant.
