Red-necked Parrot Amazona arausiaca Scientific name definitions

One of two striking Amazona parrots endemic to the tiny island of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles, the Red-necked Parrot is, like most of its congeners, a principally green-plumaged bird. It is mainly distinguished from the island’s other (larger and darker) Amazona, the Imperial Parrot (Amazona imperialis), by the head and underparts patterns; the face and forecrown are blue, with a small patch of red on the foreneck, while the rest of the body is almost entirely green. The Red-necked Parrot is currently categorized as Vulnerable and its population is thought to number fewer than 800 individuals, although the species has been increasing since about 1980. The species’ stronghold is in the north of the island, where it is found at altitudes between 300 and 1200 m. Nests are placed in large forest trees, but in recent years the species appears to be making increasing use of agricultural lands in which to feed. Like many West Indian island endemics, the Red-necked Parrot is highly susceptible to hurricane damage, especially because of its need for large trees when breeding.

33–40 cm. Similar to <em>A. versicolor</em> but with no dark edges to feathers giving scaled effect, and with red on upper breast reduced to throat spot ; speculum red and yellow; primaries tipped blue-black. Immature undescribed.

Rainforest (mainly montane) of Dominica (Lesser Antilles).

Moist forest chiefly at 300–800 m, sometimes ranging into more open cultivated areas.

Wide range of fruits and/or seeds recorded, including Dacryodes, Licania, Richeria, Amanoa, Simarouba, Symphonia, Cordia, Pithecellobium, Byrsonima, Anacardium, Pouteria, Dussia, Ormosia and palms, sometimes also wild guava and cultivated citrus.

A variety of screeches and rolling calls, sounding rather thin. Some calls rather Aratinga-like.

VULNERABLE. CITES I. A BirdLife “restricted-range” species. Conflicting reports of former abundance; by early 1970s probably less than 400, owing to habitat loss, hunting (for food) and trade. Two hurricanes, 1979 and 1980, possibly halved population. Natural recovery and considerable conservation effort since that time has resulted in 500–1000 birds currently.