Mealy Amazon
Description
The mealy amazon or southern mealy parrot (Amazona farinosa) is among the largest parrot in the genus Amazona, the amazon parrots. It is a mainly green parrot with a total length of 38–41 cm (15–16 in). It is endemic to tropical Central and South America. This species and the northern mealy amazon were previously considered conspecific. Some taxonomic authorities (including the American Ornithological Society, continue to lump them together.
The southern mealy amazon has a total length of about 38–41 cm (15–16 in) and weighs 540–700 g (19–25 oz). Captives commonly are heavier. It is among the largest parrots in the Americas, mainly being surpassed by the large macaws. It has a relatively short and squarish tail, as do the other members of the Amazona genus.
The southern mealy amazon is mainly green. The back and nape often have a whitish tinge; almost as if it had been covered in a thin layer of flour ("meal"; hence its name). The distal half of the tail is paler and more yellow than the basal half, thus resulting in a distinctly bi-colored look. In flight it shows a bluish-black trailing edge to the wing and a conspicuous red speculum. Occasionally a few yellow feathers are apparent on the top of the head.
In South America, it is commonly confused with the yellow-crowned amazon, but can be recognized by its larger size, less yellow to the crown (not entirely reliable, as some yellow-crowned may show almost none), the whitish tinge to its plumage, broader white eye-ring, and red of the leading edge of the wing placed near the phalanx (not near the radiale), but this is often difficult to see (especially on perched birds). Their voices are also strikingly different.
Scientific Name
Amazona Farinosa
Country Of Origin
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability
Excellent
Characteristics
Mealy Amazons are affectionate birds that bond strongly with their pet bird owners. They are often referred to as the “gentle giants” of the Amazon species, as they have a reputation of having less aggressive tendencies. They are excellent talkers with vocalizations that vary among individual parrots — some among this species are quiet, while others can be heard from far away. Mealy Amazons are easy to tame and respond very well to behavior training. Mealy Amazons can get along well with other species and don’t necessarily have to be a one-person pert bird.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Amazon parrots, including the mealy Amazon, go through a hormonal phase between 5 and 12 years of age. During this time, there might be one to two years in which they are likely to be very aggressive. After this phase, a mealy Amazon will often settle down again with no aggressive behavior (other than during breeding season). Mealy Amazons are chewers that need plenty of healthy, safe pet bird toys and materials in order to avoid any destruction in the house. Because they have a tendency toward obesity, they should be given plenty of space in which to exercise, and owners should be watchful of their diets. Amazons are known to be somewhat clumsy and tend to fall easily.
Expert Advice
“These giants of the Amazon family of parrots are a little more laid back than [the Amazons] in the Ocracephalafamily. Their calls and vocalizations can be quite loud.”
Gregory Rich, DVM, West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic, Metairie, La