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Yellow-billed amazon

Yellow-billed amazon

Wikipedia

The yellow-billed amazon, also called the yellow-billed parrot or Jamaican amazon, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is a predominantly green parrot with a short tail and pink throat and neck. It is endemic to Jamaica, where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, plantations, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss and illegal trapping of wild birds for the pet trade.

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Distribution

Region

Caribbean

Typical Environment

Endemic to Jamaica, where it occupies moist lowland and montane evergreen forests, especially on limestone karst in the Cockpit Country and nearby ranges. It also uses mangroves, plantations, and rural gardens when fruiting trees are available. Birds commute between feeding areas and traditional communal roosts. Nesting occurs in large tree cavities within mature forest, making the species sensitive to logging. It may forage in cultivated areas but depends on intact forest for breeding.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size28–30 cm
Wing Span45–50 cm
Male Weight0.28 kg
Female Weight0.26 kg
Life Expectancy25 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Also called the Jamaican amazon or yellow-billed parrot, this species is found only in Jamaica and is legally protected. It nests in tree cavities and often gathers at communal roosts. The bright yellow bill and pinkish throat help distinguish it from the island’s similar black-billed amazon. Habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade remain the main threats, and it plays an important role as a seed disperser in native forests.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Two at St Andrew, Jamaica

Two at St Andrew, Jamaica

Behaviour

Temperament

social and noisy

Flight Pattern

strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small groups, gathering into larger flocks at communal roosts. Pairs are monogamous and nest in natural cavities of mature trees. Both parents tend the young, and family groups may remain together after fledging.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are loud, ringing squawks and screeches, often given in flight. In flocks they produce chattering contact calls and harsh alarm notes.

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