Red-necked amazon

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.

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Distribution

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

Characteristics

Size38–42 cm

Wing Span50–60 cm

Male Weight0.55 kg

Female Weight0.5 kg

Life Expectancy30 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

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.

Gallery

Behaviour

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.

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Identification

Leg Colorgrey

Eye Colororange

Plumage

Mostly bright green with a contrasting blue face and a rich red to maroon patch on the throat and upper breast; feathers often edged darker giving a scaled look. Some yellowish tones can appear on the underparts and shoulders, with bluish hues on wings. The bill is pale horn-colored and robust.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily consumes fruits, seeds, and berries from a variety of native rainforest trees. It also takes buds, flowers, and occasionally cultivated fruits when available. Feeding often follows seasonal fruiting cycles, and birds may travel widely to locate productive trees.

Preferred Environment

Forages high in the forest canopy and along edges where fruiting trees are concentrated. Will also visit secondary growth and agroforestry plots with mature fruit trees.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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