About Amazona ochrocephala (Gmelin, 1788)
In the nominate group of Amazona ochrocephala, which includes the subspecies xantholaema, nattereri and panamensis, individuals reach a total length of 33–38 cm (14–15 in). Like most other amazon parrots, this species has a short squarish tail and primarily green plumage. The secondaries and primaries have dark blue tips, and the species has a red wing speculum, red carpal edge (the leading edge of the wing at the shoulder), and red base to the outer tail feathers. When the bird is perched, these red and dark blue markings are often difficult to see. Under normal wild viewing conditions, the red base of the outer tail feathers can only be seen infrequently. The extent of yellow plumage on the head varies by subspecies: the nominate, nattereri and panamensis have yellow restricted to the crown region, and occasionally have a few scattered yellow feathers around the eyes, while the subspecies xantholaema has yellow covering most of the head. All subspecies have a white eye-ring. Most have a dark bill with a large horn (gray) or reddish spot on the upper mandible, except panamensis, which has an entirely horn-colored beak. Males and females do not differ in their plumage. Apart from the wing speculum, juvenile birds have very little yellow or red plumage. The yellow-crowned amazon is native to the Amazon basin and Guianas, with additional native populations in northwestern South America and Panama. It has been introduced to Grand Cayman, and introduced, apparently breeding populations have also been reported in Puerto Rico. A wild colony of around 60 yellow-crowned amazons has lived in Stuttgart, Germany, since the mid-1980s. This species inhabits tropical humid and dry forests, woodlands, mangroves, and savannas, and can also be found on cultivated land and in suburban areas. In the southern portion of its native range, it is rarely found far from the Amazon rainforest. It is primarily a lowland bird, but has been recorded locally at elevations up to 800 m (2600 ft) along the eastern slopes of the Andes. Yellow-crowned amazons are normally found in pairs or small flocks of up to 30 individuals, though larger groups may gather at clay licks. Their diet consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, berries, blossoms and leaf buds. They are particularly fond of maize and cultivated fruits. Foods that contain sugar or a large amount of salt can be dangerous for them.
