Yellow-faced Parrots
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The semi-nomadic Yellow-faced Parrot (Salvatoria xanthops) is found in eastern and central Brazil and occasionally in Bolivia, where they prefer semi-arid scrubland habitats with low trees (cerrado). Their numbers are declining and they have already disappeared in large areas of its former range.
Previously, this species was placed within the genus Amazona and was sometimes called the Yellow-faced Amazon. Recent research showed that this species is much closer related to the Short-tailed Parrot (Graydidascalus brachyurus) and to the members of the genus Pionus. Their personality is supposed to be comparable to the Pionus parrot as well.
Description:
These parrots average 10.5 ins (27 cm) in length. Their plumage is mostly green, edged with dark green.
The forehead, lores, crown and ear-coverts are variably yellow, some older birds have entire head and abdomen yellow to orange; edge of wing yellowish-green. Front of forehead in many birds bare with plucked appearance.
The tail is green with greenish-yellow tips; outer tail feathers with broad orange-red band. The bill is horn-colored with black base and their irises are yellow.
The feet are greyish-flesh color and their cere pink.
Immatures have less yellow on head and abdomen, and their irises are dark.
Diet:
Most likely seeds and tree fruits. In captivity, various fruit and vegetables, particularly orange, banana, peach and apple; fresh rowan and elder berries; half-ripe maize; rosehips; seed mix of safflower, wheat, hemp, oats, paddy rice, buckwheat and mung beans; sprouted sunflower; some pine-nuts; greenfood; regular mineral supplements; white bread and biscuit for rearing; during acclimatization difficult to accustom birds to varied diet.
Breeding in captivity:
Breeding has seldom been achieved in captivity. The basic requirement would be a compatible pair that needs to be isolated during the breeding season due to increased aggression towards other birds during this time; they also require spacious accommodation and a nest box 25 x 25 x 60 cm (10 x 10 x 24 ins) with entrance 8 cm (3 ins) in diameter. They tend to be aggressive towards caretakers. The breeding season begins early May. The hen lays 2 to 4 eggs, which she incubates for 26 days. The young fledge when they are about 8 weeks old.
Procurement & Care:
For information on purchasing this bird, please consider the following resources:
- What Bird Fits Into My Lifestyle?
- Procuring Birds
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here for info.
- NOTE: Aviculturists and breeders of Protected Species that take part in the preservation and conservation of critically endangered birds are welcome to list their group information at no cost. Please e-mail me the information.
Please refer to the following websites for information:
- Optimal nutrition to keep your bird healthy
- Housing your bird
- Caring for your companion bird
Species: Scientific: Amazona xanthops ... English: Yellow-faced Amazon, Yellow-bellied Amazon ... Dutch: Geelbuikamazone, Geelgezichtamazone ... German: Gelbbauchamazone, Gelbgesichtamazone ... French: Amazone à ventre jaune
CITES II - Endangered
Species Distribution: Eastern and Central Brazil Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots
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