Red-Lored Amazon

Amazona autumnalis

The red-lored amazon, Amazona autumnalis, is a green amazon parrot from eastern Mexico through Central America and into parts of northern South America. Its name comes from the red lores and forehead around the base of the beak, set off by a blue-tinged crown and variable yellow on the cheeks depending on subspecies. Wild birds live in humid forest, woodland edges, mangroves, and cultivated areas, traveling in pairs or small flocks to feed on seeds, fruit, nuts, flowers, and buds.

In aviculture, red-lored amazons are valued for their intelligence, loud voices, and potential to mimic speech, but they are demanding long-lived parrots. A suitable home provides a large cage or aviary, daily social time, chewable enrichment, bathing opportunities, and a diet built around formulated pellets, vegetables, greens, and controlled fruit rather than a seed-heavy mix. Seasonal hormones can bring biting and territorial behavior. Captive-bred, well-documented birds are preferred, and buyers should check local rules and ask about subspecies, age, and early handling.