The scaly-naped amazon, also known as the scaly-naped parrot, mercenary amazon, Tschudi's amazon, mountain parrot, or gray-naped amazon is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is found along the Andes in the northern part of South America. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Andes Mountains
Typical Environment
Occurs discontinuously along the northern and central Andes from Venezuela and Colombia through Ecuador and Peru to western Bolivia. Prefers humid montane and cloud forests, forest edges, and tall second-growth with abundant fruiting trees. Frequently visits clearings and forested ravines and may descend to lower elevations seasonally. Roosts in tall emergent trees and sometimes uses steep forested slopes.
Altitude Range
600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the mercenary or gray-naped amazon, this is the highest-ranging Amazon parrot, commonly using cloud forest canopy along the Andes. Its finely dark-edged feathers on the nape create the scaly look that gives the species its name. It often performs local upslope and downslope movements to track fruiting trees. Though not a common pet, it is occasionally trapped locally; habitat loss is the larger concern.
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small, noisy groups; larger flocks may gather at favored fruiting trees or roosts. Nests in tree cavities high in the canopy, with pairs defending the immediate nest area. Breeding timing varies by elevation and regional rainfall patterns.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, ringing squawks and metallic screeches that carry across valleys. When perched and feeding, it also gives softer chattering notes and contact calls within the group.
