Yellow-naped Amazon

The yellow-naped amazon or yellow-naped parrot (Amazona auropalliata) is an endangered amazon parrot sometimes considered to be a subspecies of the yellow-crowned amazon (Amazona ochrocephala) (Gmelin, 1788). Deforestation is reducing the number of these parrots in the wild, together with illegal removal of young for the pet trade. This parrot readily mimics sounds and in captivity this includes human speech, which is probably the reason it is popular in aviculture. Like all parrots, however, mimicking abilities vary greatly between individuals. The yellow-naped amazon is distinguished by its green forehead and crown and a yellow band across the lower nape (back part of neck) and hindneck. The beak is dark gray and is paler towards the base of the upper mandible. The feet are also dark gray.