The yellow-faced parrot, formerly also known as the yellow-faced amazon, is the only species of the genus Alipiopsitta. It is a Neotropical parrot, and was classified in the genus Amazona for many years. It is a predominantly green and yellow-plumaged bird with a yellow head. It is a semi-nomadic species found in the cerrado region of Brazil and adjacent Bolivia. As the yellow-faced parrot has disappeared from parts of its former range due to habitat destruction and generally occurs in low densities, it was considered vulnerable by the IUCN, but it remains locally fairly common, occurs in several protected areas and can survive in fragmented habitats, leading to its downlisting to near-threatened.
Region
Cerrado and adjacent savannas of central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in Brazil’s Cerrado biome, with populations extending into adjacent savanna and dry woodland mosaics, and locally into Bolivia. It favors open savanna with scattered trees, gallery forests along watercourses, palm groves, and edges of seasonally dry forest. It uses fragmented habitats and agricultural mosaics if fruiting trees remain. The species is semi-nomadic, moving to follow seasonal food availability and water.
Altitude Range
150–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the yellow-faced amazon, it is the sole member of the genus Alipiopsitta. It inhabits the Cerrado and is semi-nomadic, tracking seasonal fruiting across the landscape. Habitat loss and fragmentation have reduced its range, and it is assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, though it remains locally fairly common where suitable savanna persists.
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small flocks, forming larger groups at favored feeding trees and communal roosts. Pairs maintain close bonds and nest in tree cavities when available. Breeding typically coincides with the onset of rains, when food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, nasal squawks and yelping calls that carry over long distances during flight. At feeding sites, birds give softer chattering notes and contact calls.
Plumage
Predominantly green body with a distinctly yellow head and face; wings show darker green with bluish tones on primaries; tail green with yellowish hues toward the tips.
Diet
Feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, and berries of native Cerrado trees and shrubs. It takes flowers and new shoots at times and may visit cultivated orchards or fields for available fruit and grain. Seasonal movements track ripening fruit, with flocks concentrating where resources peak.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in the canopy and mid-story of savanna trees and along gallery forests. It also uses forest edges, palm stands, and scattered fruiting trees within agricultural mosaics.
