Amazona arausiaca
The Red-necked Amazon, or Jaco Parrot, is a captivating medium-sized parrot, measuring approximately 35-40 cm (14-16 inches) in length and weighing between 500-600 grams (1.1-1.3 lbs). Its plumage is predominantly a brilliant green, contrasted by a distinctive bright red throat and foreneck, and a violet-blue crown and nape, creating a striking coloration that aids in camouflage within its lush rainforest habitat. A prominent red speculum, or wing patch, is visible in flight, and its outer ta...
This species primarily inhabits moist tropical and montane rainforests, favoring undisturbed primary and mature secondary forests. It can be found from lowland coastal areas up to elevations of approximately 1200 meters (3,900 feet) on Dominica.
The Red-necked Amazon is primarily frugivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and flowers found in the forest canopy. They forage by climbing and manipulating food items with their powerful bills and feet.
Red-necked Amazons are diurnal, typically becoming active shortly after dawn and returning to communal roosts in large trees before dusk. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning fruits, seeds, and flowers from the canopy, often in small family groups or larger flocks outside the breeding season...
The Red-necked Amazon is strictly endemic to the mountainous rainforests of Dominica, an island in the Lesser Antilles chain of the Caribbean. Its distribution is limited to the central and northern forest reserves, as well as some isolated pockets of suitable habitat across the island. This spec...
Endangered
- The Red-necked Amazon is one of two parrot species found exclusively on the Caribbean island of Dominica. - Locally, this parrot is often referred to by its Creole name, 'Jaco. - Like many parrots, Red-necked Amazons are incredibly intelligent and, in captivity, can mimic a variety of sounds an...