Kawall's amazon, also known as the white-faced amazon, white-cheeked amazon or Kawall's parrot, is a relatively large species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to the south-central Amazon. After not having been recorded in the wild for around 70 years, the species was rediscovered in the 1980s.
Region
South-central Amazon Basin, Brazil
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland Amazonian rainforest, favoring tall terra firme forest and edges of seasonally flooded (várzea) forests. Frequently uses riparian corridors, river islands, and palm-rich stands where fruit is abundant. It tolerates some secondary growth and selectively logged areas but declines in heavily deforested landscapes. Roosts communally in emergent trees and ranges widely to track fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Kawall's amazon, or white-cheeked amazon, was long known only from old specimens and was rediscovered in the wild in the 1980s. It is often confused with the larger Mealy Amazon but can be told by its striking white face. The species is threatened by habitat loss and illegal trapping for the pet trade. Loud dawn and dusk fly-overs make it more often heard than seen in tall forest.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups, joining larger flocks at communal roosts. Monogamous pairs nest in natural cavities of large emergent trees. Breeding coincides with the rainy season when fruit availability peaks. Adults show strong site fidelity to traditional roost and nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, carrying squawks and rolling screeches, especially at dawn and dusk. At close range it gives a mix of harsher contact calls and softer chatter within flocks.
