Amazona farinosa
mealy parrot

Mealy parrots are found in Mexico and Central and South America, occupying a wide range from southern Mexico to northern Bolivia and southern Brazil. They are most common in Costa Rica and Panama, particularly on the Caribbean coast. (Juniper and Parr, 1998; Ridgely, 1976)

Mealy parrots inhabit dense, humid lowland rainforests near clearings but also populate wooded areas in savannas. (Juniper and Parr, 1998)

One of the largest of the Amazon parrots, mealy parrots measure approximately 38 to 40 cm in length and have an average weight of 540 to 700g. They are considerably less vibrant than other closely related parrots. Mealy parrots are mainly green with a crown of blue and violet feathers on the head, as well as a powdery appearance given by the dull, bluish feathers on the head, neck, and shoulders. A few spots of red, yellow, or blue can be seen on the feathers underneath the wings, which are mainly dull green with lighter green tips. Around each eye is a white, featherless ring. The iris is a reddish-orange color. The beak is a gray, brown color. One way to discern mealy parrots from other Amazona species is the tail, which consists of two distinct tones: green and yellowish green. The feet are a grayish color. Males and females are monomorphic. A distinguishing feature between adults and juveniles is a brown iris in juveniles. ("Avian Web", 2004; Bates and Busenbark, 1969; Juniper and Parr, 1998; Ridgely, 1976)

Mating occurs once a year and normally begins in the spring. Once sexually mature, mealy parrots will choose one partner for life. (Brough, 2005; Juniper and Parr, 1998)

Breeding normally ranges from November to March. Nesting takes place in the tree-cavity. Female parrots usually lay one clutch per year of three eggs. Eggs are incubated for about four weeks, after hatching male parrots assist females in raising the young by regurgitating food for the female to eat. The offspring are ready to leave the nest after a period of about eight weeks. (Brough, 2005; Juniper and Parr, 1998)

During the incubation period, the male parrot will assist the female by regurgitating food for the female to eat. The female will protect and feed the hatched offspring until they are ready to leave the nest. (Brough, 2005)

Mealy parrots in captivity is typically between 50 and 100 years. Information on lifespan of mealy parrots in the wild is unavailable. ("Feathered Family Inc.", 2005)

Mealy parrots are social animals, often seen flying in pairs or small flocks of up to 20. They will also form larger groups of several hundred birds near the breeding season. Mealy parrots are very active and are often seen interacting with other species of parrots, such as macaws (Ara). (Brough, 2005; Juniper and Parr, 1998)

Mealy parrots can be very noisy, with a variety of different calls, including chattering, squawking, and whistling. The calls can be heard at a distance, as their voice usually has a deeper tone than that of other Amazona parrots. (Juniper and Parr, 1998)

Mealy parrots feed mostly on plant parts, including seeds, fruits, nuts, blossoms, and leaf buds. (Brough, 2005)

Mealy parrots are prey to various predators, such as hawks and monkeys. Snakes may steal eggs or young offspring. (Juniper and Parr, 1998)

Although their importance to the environment has not been extensively researched, mealy parrots are speculated to play a role in seed dispersal as well as act as a pollinator of the flowers they feed on. (Juniper and Parr, 1998)

Of special interest to the international live exotic bird trade, mealy parrots are most commonly taken into captivity and sold as pets. In some areas, they are also hunted for food, due to their relatively large size. (Juniper and Parr, 1998)

Mealy parrots may eat crops occasionally, including corn crops. (Brough, 2005; Juniper and Parr, 1998)

Mealy parrots are not currently identified as a species in crisis. They do not meet the criteria for a population decline, meaning a thirty percent loss of the population in ten years or three generations, as defined by the IUCN Red List. They are considered a species of least concern. This, however, does not suggest that the species is completely free from danger. Both the large amount of trading and the loss of habitat from deforestation have a significant impact on population declines of mealy parrots in certain areas. ("BirdLife International", 2005)