One of the largest and most distinctive members of the amazon parrot family, standing out for both its size and its personality. Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico down through Brazil and Peru, this parrot is instantly recognizable by the “dusty” look of its feathers. Unlike the bright, shiny greens of other amazons, the Mealy amazon appears as if someone lightly sprinkled it with flour, giving it a pale, powdery sheen. This unique feature, known as a “mealy” appearance, gives the bird its common name and sets it apart from its more colorful cousins.
While many amazon parrots are famous for being loud, bold, and sometimes bossy, the Mealy amazon has a reputation for being more laid-back. Its calls are lower-pitched and less harsh compared to the sharp squawks of, say, the Yellow-headed amazon. Though it can mimic human voices and everyday sounds with impressive accuracy, its vocal tone is usually softer and deeper, making it less piercing. These parrots are very social in the wild, often found in large flocks that gather noisily in the canopy. However, even in groups, they tend to be less aggressive toward one another, showing more tolerance than many other parrot species. This calmer nature has made them popular in captivity, where they are often described as affectionate companions with clown-like personalities.
Appearance-wise, the Mealy amazon is mostly green, but a closer look reveals a subtle rainbow of hidden colors. In good light, its feathers shimmer with hints of blue, yellow, and violet, especially on the wings. Some individuals also have small splashes of red or maroon near the shoulders, which add a surprising pop of brightness against the otherwise muted tones. Their eyes are ringed with pale skin that gives them an alert but gentle look, and their strong, curved beaks are perfectly built for cracking open nuts and seeds.
Distribution
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
French Guiana
Guyana
Panama
Peru
Suriname
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Frugivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
