The Yucatan amazon, also known as the yellow-lored amazon, Yucatan parrot or yellow-lored parrot is a species of bird in subfamily Arinae of the family Psittacidae, the African and New World parrots. It is found in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.
Region
Yucatán Peninsula and adjacent northern Central America
Typical Environment
Native to the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico (including coastal islands) and extending into Belize and northern Guatemala, with small or localized occurrences reported on nearby islands off Honduras. It inhabits lowland tropical and subtropical environments such as semi-deciduous forest, coastal scrub, pine–savanna mosaics, mangroves, and second-growth edges. The species adapts well to open woodlands, plantations, and rural areas with scattered trees. It tends to remain near water and in areas with fruiting trees, including figs and palms.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the yellow-lored amazon, this small Amazona parrot is notable for its bright yellow lores and noisy, social nature. It often gathers at communal roosts and nests in natural tree cavities during the dry season. While currently not globally threatened, local pressures from habitat loss and capture for the pet trade can impact populations. Like many amazons, it is intelligent and capable of loud vocalizations and varied calls.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small flocks that may gather into larger communal roosts. Breeding pairs nest in tree cavities, typically during the dry season, and may reuse sites across years. They are vigilant and vocal when disturbed, with strong pair bonds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations consist of loud, ringing screeches interspersed with chatter and whistles. Calls carry over long distances and are most frequent at dawn and near roosting time.
Plumage
Mostly bright green with a clean yellow lore patch and paler cheeks; flight feathers show bluish edging and a small red wing patch. Underwings are darker green with bluish tones and the tail shows yellow-green tips. Bill is pale horn and cere lightly colored.
Diet
Primarily consumes fruits, seeds, and berries from native trees such as figs and palms. It also takes flowers, buds, and occasionally cultivated fruits or maize when available. Foraging often occurs in the canopy but may include visits to edges and clearings to exploit seasonal resources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the upper to mid-canopy of semi-deciduous forest, edges, and in secondary growth with fruiting trees. It readily uses agricultural mosaics, orchards, and wooded savannas where natural and cultivated foods are accessible.
