Amazona agilis
The Black-billed Amazon, *Amazona agilis*, is a captivating and critically important endemic parrot of Jamaica, known for its vibrant green plumage and elusive nature. Measuring approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length and weighing between 150-200 grams, it is the smallest of the two Amazon species found on the island. Its primary field mark is a distinctive black bill, contrasting with the mostly green body, complemented by a splash of red on the wing's carpal joint (bend of the wing) and f...
Restricted to undisturbed, humid limestone forests, primarily inhabiting montane and submontane regions, though occasionally foraging at lower elevations.
Primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, and buds of various native forest trees, with a strong preference for breadnut (*Brosimum alicastrum*) and cotton tree (*Ceiba pentandra*).
Black-billed Amazons are diurnal, active from dawn to dusk, often roosting in tree hollows or dense canopy foliage overnight. They are highly arboreal, spending most of their time foraging in the upper canopy on a diet of fruits, seeds, and flowers. Foraging typically occurs in pairs or small fam...
The Black-billed Amazon is strictly endemic to the island of Jamaica, where its distribution has become increasingly fragmented. Historically more widespread, its current range is primarily concentrated in the central and western Cockpit Country, a region characterized by karst limestone formatio...
Vulnerable
- The Black-billed Amazon is one of only two Amazon parrot species endemic to the island of Jamaica, the other being the Yellow-billed Amazon (*Amazona collaria*). - It is the smaller of Jamaica's two endemic Amazon parrots, often making it more challenging to spot in the dense forest canopy. - I...