Amazona collaria
The Yellow-billed Amazon (Amazona collaria), also known as the Jamaican Amazon or Yellow-billed Parrot, is a captivating medium-sized parrot endemic to the island of Jamaica. Reaching approximately 28 cm (11 inches) in length, its plumage is predominantly a vibrant green, accented by a striking bright yellow bill—a key identifying feature that distinguishes it from its close relative, the Black-billed Amazon. A subtle white eye-ring encircles its dark eyes, while patches of bluish wash adorn ...
Found primarily in dense humid limestone forests and montane rainforests of Jamaica, extending from near sea level up to approximately 1500 meters in elevation. It occasionally ventures into cultivated areas and suburban gardens bordering forest tracts.
Their diet primarily consists of a wide variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers, supplemented by young leaves and buds. They are adept at using their strong bills to crack open hard shells and access seeds.
Yellow-billed Amazons are diurnal, spending their days foraging and interacting, often in pairs or small family groups. They are highly arboreal, using their powerful bills and nimble feet to manipulate food items within the forest canopy. Outside the breeding season, they may congregate in large...
The Yellow-billed Amazon is entirely endemic to Jamaica, where its distribution is now primarily restricted to the island's interior forested regions. Significant populations can be found in the rugged Cockpit Country, the Blue Mountains, and the John Crow Mountains. Historically, the species was...
Vulnerable
- The Yellow-billed Amazon is one of only two parrot species endemic to the island of Jamaica, the other being the Black-billed Amazon. - Its bright yellow bill is the most immediate distinguishing feature from its close relative, the Black-billed Amazon, which has a darker bill. - These intellig...