The yellow-shouldered amazon, also known as the yellow-shouldered parrot, is a parrot of the genus Amazona that is found in the arid areas of northern Venezuela, the Venezuelan islands of Margarita and La Blanquilla, and the island of Bonaire. It has been extirpated from and reintroduced to Aruba and introduced to Curaçao.
Region
Northern Venezuela and the southern Caribbean (ABC islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid and semi-arid thorn scrub, coastal dry forests, and cactus-dominated landscapes of northern Venezuela and nearby islands including Margarita, La Blanquilla, and Bonaire. It has been extirpated and reintroduced on Aruba and is introduced on Curaçao. Birds favor areas with tall columnar cacti, acacias, and scattered trees for nesting and feeding. They roost communally near feeding sites and water sources. Human-altered edges and ranchlands with remnant thorn woodland are also used.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This Nearctic–Caribbean parrot is adapted to xeric habitats, often nesting in cavities of large columnar cacti as well as trees. It has suffered from habitat loss and illegal pet trade, but focused conservation and nest-guarding programs have helped some island populations recover. Adults show vivid yellow patches on the shoulder and head, which are less developed in juveniles. It is intelligent, loud, and capable of limited mimicry.
Front view
Possible extinct subspecies from Aruba, A. b. canifrons
Temperament
social and vocal
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, gathering into larger flocks at communal roosts. Forms long-term pair bonds and nests in cavities of trees or large columnar cacti, where both adults attend the young. Territorial around nest sites but otherwise gregarious at feeding and roosting areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing squawks and harsh chatter carry over long distances, especially at dawn and dusk. Calls include repeated screeches and rolling phrases; birds may also produce softer contact notes within flocks.
Plumage
Predominantly green with contrasting yellow patches on the shoulder and variable yellow on the head; flight feathers edged bluish with darker tips. Tail is green with yellowish tones and subtle blue highlights. Feathers are compact and glossy, giving a smooth, tight-plumaged appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds, fruits, and flowers of dry-forest and scrub plants, including cactus fruits and pulp. Also takes pods of legumes, fruits of thorny shrubs, and seeds from seasonal trees. Birds may visit cultivated areas for fruit when available and will travel between feeding patches and water sources.
Preferred Environment
Forages in cactus stands, thorn scrub, and edges of dry woodland, often high in the canopy or atop tall cacti. Uses hedgerows and scattered trees in human-altered landscapes when native food plants persist.
