The red-necked amazon, also known as the red-necked parrot, Dominican blue-faced amazon, lesser Dominican amazon, and jaco parrot or jaco, is an amazon parrot endemic to Dominica.
Region
Lesser Antilles
Typical Environment
The red-necked amazon inhabits mature and secondary moist evergreen rainforest, with strongholds in the northern and central highlands of Dominica. It favors areas with large, old trees that provide nesting cavities and abundant fruiting resources. Birds regularly range along forest edges and ridges and may descend to lower elevations to feed. They sometimes visit nearby cultivated areas to exploit fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the jaco parrot, this species is found only on the Caribbean island of Dominica. It nests in cavities of large mature rainforest trees and is protected by strict local conservation measures. Major threats include hurricanes, habitat loss, and occasional poaching, but community-led programs have aided recovery in some areas.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, larger flocks forming at favored feeding sites. Monogamous pairs nest in natural tree cavities, often returning to traditional sites. Both sexes defend the nest area and share care of the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and raucous, carrying far across the forest canopy. Calls include harsh squawks and rolling screeches, interspersed with whistles and chatter during social interactions.