AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Amazona autumnalis
Red-lored Amazon
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust and unmistakable bird of the Neotropical canopy. Its plumage is predominantly emerald green, providing perfect camouflage in the foliage. It stands out for a vibrant scarlet band on its forehead and lores, accompanied by cheeks that vary from yellow to yellowish-green, and a crown of bluish feathers. It possesses a strong, curved, and hooked bone-colored beak with dark gray on the upper mandible, ideal for crushing hard seeds. Its pale gray feet have a zygodactyl arrangement (two toes facing forward and two backward) that gives them exceptional acrobatic dexterity.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Psittaciformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Psittacidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Amazona
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
--
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Frugivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits mainly the canopies of humid lowland forests, tropical deciduous forests, mangroves, and forest edges in the Neotropical region, from Mexico to western Ecuador. In Costa Rica, it is very common in the Caribbean and northern Pacific lowlands, also adapting to semi-open areas, citrus plantations, and palm crops up to 1,000 meters in altitude.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a bird with strongly arboreal habits, rarely descending to the ground. They are noisy in flight, using a wide variety of loud, harsh calls to keep in contact in the thick canopy, but become silent and cryptic while feeding.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Outside the breeding season, they are highly gregarious birds that congregate in communal roosts that can house from tens to several hundred individuals, offering mutual protection against predators and facilitating foraging.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Strict frugivore and granivore. Its diet consists of nuts, berries, seeds, buds, and tropical fruits such as figs (Ficus spp.), citrus, and palm fruits, highlighting its adaptability to exploit both primary forests and agricultural plantations.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
They act as pre-dispersal seed predators (destroying the seed with their beak) but also as important dispersers of fleshy fruits, defecating or dropping seeds of key tree species. They are occasional prey for harpy eagles, forest falcons, and arboreal constrictor snakes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
They nest in pre-existing natural hollows in tall trees, often dead trunks or palms (like the royal palm). They do not add material to the nest; the female lays 2 to 4 white eggs directly on the wood floor. Incubation is exclusively the female's task and lasts about 26 days. The chicks are altricial (born blind and naked). The male feeds the female during incubation, and then both parents regurgitate food to the chicks, which fledge and leave the nest at 60-70 days.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
32.0 - 35.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
310 g - 480 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 4
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
25 - 26
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males40 - 60 Years
Females40 - 60 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Triple-Support Beak: The beak is not only a formidable tool for cracking extremely hard nuts but has evolved as a third appendage that allows them to safely climb vines and hanging branches.
Tactile Zygodactyl Feet: With two toes forward and two backward, these feet act like extremely dexterous hands, allowing them to hold, rotate, and peel fruits while hanging from a single foot in the canopy.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Illegal pet trade and poaching: Due to their intelligence and ability to vocalize, they are frequently stolen from their nests to be sold on the black market.
Deforestation: The logging of large, old trees (hardwood) directly destroys the natural cavities they indispensably need for nesting.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Love for a lifetime: They are known for forming extremely strong monogamous bonds. It is common to observe pairs flying close together, almost wing-beat synchronized, mutually preening on branches.
Sentinels of dawn: In Costa Rican popular culture, their deafening group noise at 5:30 am functions as a 'natural alarm clock' in the countryside, announcing the flock leaving roosts for feeding sites.