The red-lored amazon or red-lored parrot is a species of amazon parrot, native to tropical regions of the Americas, from eastern Mexico south to Ecuador where it occurs in humid evergreen to semi-deciduous forests up to 1,100 m altitude. It is absent from the Pacific side of Central America north of Costa Rica. Not originally known from El Salvador, a pair - perhaps escaped from captivity - nested successfully in 1995 and 1996 in the outskirts of San Salvador and the species might expand its range permanently into that country in the future. This species has also established feral populations in several California cities.
Region
Mesoamerica and northwestern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, south into Panama and western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador. It occupies humid evergreen to semi-deciduous forests, gallery forests, and forest edges. The species readily uses secondary growth, wooded farmland, and plantations, and may visit orchards. Urban-adapted, feral populations are established in parts of California and elsewhere. Within forests it prefers the mid- to upper canopy where food trees are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the red-lored parrot, this species is a noisy, social amazon parrot with a vivid red patch on its lores and yellow cheeks. It forms strong pair bonds and nests in tree cavities. Feral populations have established in several cities, notably in California, where they roost communally and adapt to urban trees. Like many parrots, it is vulnerable to trapping and habitat loss in parts of its range.
A. a. salvini at Cana Blanca Wildlife Sanctuary, Costa Rica
A captive-bred red-lored parrot chick at the age of 6 weeks
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small flocks, gathering into larger groups at communal roosts. Pairs form long-term bonds and nest in natural tree cavities. They defend nest sites but forage cooperatively and maintain contact calls while moving through the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, rolling squawks and screeches carry over long distances, especially at dawn and dusk. Also produces chattering contact calls within flocks. Vocal repertoire is varied but generally harsh and penetrating.
