Amazona tucumana
The Tucumán Amazon, or Alder Amazon (*Amazona tucumana*), is a striking, medium-sized parrot, typically reaching about 31 cm (12 inches) in length. Its plumage is predominantly a vibrant green, often with yellowish-green undertones, providing excellent camouflage within its forest habitat. A distinguishing field mark is its prominent red forehead and crown, which can extend slightly beyond the eye and may be suffused with blue or violet posteriorly. A brilliant red speculum is visible on its ...
This species primarily inhabits high-altitude temperate and subtropical montane cloud forests, with a strong ecological preference for *Alnus acuminata* (Andean Alder) forests, typically found between 1,500 and 2,500 meters, descending to 800-1,500m during the non-breeding season.
The Tucumán Amazon's diet predominantly consists of seeds, especially those of the Andean Alder (*Alnus acuminata*), supplemented by various fruits, nuts, flowers, and buds, primarily foraged from tree canopies.
Tucumán Amazons are diurnal birds, frequently observed in pairs or small family groups, although larger, more vocal flocks can congregate at communal roosting sites outside of the breeding season. They are primarily arboreal foragers, employing their powerful, hooked bills to skillfully extract s...
The Tucumán Amazon is endemic to the humid montane forests of the Andean slopes in southern Bolivia and northern Argentina. Its primary breeding range extends from the departments of Santa Cruz and Tarija in southern Bolivia southward into the Argentine provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Cat...
Vulnerable
- Named after the Tucumán province in Argentina, a central part of its historical distribution. - It is one of the few Amazon parrot species specifically adapted to the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains. - This parrot exhibits a remarkable ecological dependence on the Andean Alder (*Alnus acu...