White-fronted Amazon
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| White-fronted Amazon | ||||||||||||||
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| Amazona albifrons (Sparrman, 1788) |
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A. a. albifrons |
The White-fronted Amazon, Amazona albifrons also known as White-fronted Parrot, or adopted slang term Spectacled Amazon Parrot is a Central American species of parrot. Not to be confused with the Red-spectacled Amazon Parrot.
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[edit] Description
The White-fronted Amazon is relatively small when compared to other Amazons. At maturity this species will grow to a typical length of only nine to ten inches. This species is named for the bright white patch of feathers which is seen on their foreheads, although the amount of white varies from individual to individual. They have green plumage throughout, red coloring around their eyes (in some individuals almost like a mask) and blue coloring on their outspread wings and behind the patch of white on their foreheads. Unlike other amazon species, males and females can be distinguished by appearance (sexual dimorphism): males have bright red feathers on their shoulders (alula), while females have green shoulders. The species is divided into three subspecies, differentiated by slight colour differences: the White-fronted Amazon (A. a. albifrons), the Lesser White-fronted Amazon (A. a. nana) and the Sonora White-fronted Amazon (A. a. saltuensis). Like other large parrots, the White-fronted Parrot has a long life span, usually around 40 years when properly cared for. They also can imitate a range from 30 to 40 different sounds.
[edit] Distribution and habitat
The White-fronted Amazon is native to Central America and southern Mexico; and is most often seen in small flocks of up to 20 birds. They are seen in a variety of different habitats from wet regions such as rainforests, to drier areas such as cactus savannahs. In the wild, they are not shy and people are often able to approach them. Flocks may congregate and people have seen groups that number into the hundreds. These groups may also contain flocks from other species such as the Red-lored Amazon.
[edit] Breeding
Their breeding season is usually in the spring, starting in February and ending in the summer (in June and July in most areas). After breeding, the female will lays an average of three to four eggs. Eggs are incubated for 24 to 26 days and chicks fledge at the age of 10 to 12 weeks.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Amazona albifrons. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
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