Bahama's Momma
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- Shauna Hill
Well since so much curiosity about the affectionately called the gentle giants of the amazon world, it seems appropriate to put the spotlight on this green gem to share info and experiences. As you can see there are a a number of subspecies of mealy.
Mealy Amazon Parrot
Useful Webpages: General Information about Amazon Parrots ... Amazon Species ... Amazon Photo Gallery .... The Diseases of the Amazon Parrots ... Amazon Nutrition / Diet ... Amazon Parrot Incubation Data
Books, DVDs and Other Media about Amazons (Sold / shipped out of:
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Listing of Amazon Breeders
The Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) is one of the largest Amazon parrot species. The species is called the Mealy Amazon in the United States and the Blue-crowned Mealy Parrot in the United Kingdom.
The Mealy Parrot has a range from southern Mexico south into south-eastern Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, northern Bolivia and eastern Brazil; where they commonly inhabit the sparse Amazon Rainforest.
Status:
This parrots, although still relatively common in most of their range, has declined locally due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade. Trafficking of the birds is illegal in many nations, but the species are still smuggled into the United States from Mexico. In some areas Mealy Amazons are hunted as food.
The Mealy Amazon is commonly bred in captivity.
Description:
The Mealy Parrots are social and can usually be found in pairs or in large flocks. They are even known to interact with other parrots, such as macaws. They are usually quiet, but can get loud at dusk and dawn.
Mealy Parrots average 38-41 cm (15 - 17 inches) in length, including its tail and typically weigh between 540 to 700 g (19.01-24.64 ounces). Some Mealy parrots, however, are much larger than this.
Though less colorful than related parrot species, Mealy Parrots have a patch of blue, purple, or violet on the top of their heads. Along with the purple or blue crown, Mealy Parrot sometimes have patches of yellow on the head and usually have a green or mostly green body, with tail feathers being light green or lime at the tip. Some Mealy Parrots have a light blue/teal sheen to their green coat, and an undercoat of yellow, blue, purple, red, and/or teal. The beaks are usually yellowish. The eyes are a reddish-orange color, and underneath the eyes are usually white unfeathered rings.
Similar Species ID: In South America, it is commonly confused with the Yellow-crowned Amazon, but can be recognized by its larger size. It also has less yellow to the crown - although that is not entirely reliable, as some Yellow-crowned Amazons may show almost none. They have a whitish tinge to their plumage and broader white eye-rings. Also, the red of the leading edge of the wing is placed near the phalanx (not near the radiale), but this is often difficult to see (especially on perched birds). Their voices are also very different.
This species is often divided into subspecies:
Breeding / Reproduction:
When Mealy Parrots reach sexual maturity they usually form monogamous relationships with a single partner. Courtship usually begins in early spring, starting in December through June.
The hen will usually lay three eggs, which she incubates for 24 - 28 days. The male will eat for both himself and the female during the incubation period. He will regurgitate the food for the female to eat. He will also help feed the chicks after hatching. The young usually leave the nest at around eight weeks of age.
Diet / Feeding:
Their natural diet consists of fruits (including berries), seeds, nuts, blossoms, and leaf buds. The Mealy Amazon sometimes feeds on human crops (especially corn) and may be considered a crop pest.
Personality and Behavioral Guidance:
All amazons can be aggressive but the Mealy Amazons are considered the gentle giants of the Amazon parrots and is not a naturally aggressive species. They are described as the gentlest and calmest of all amazon parrots. They generally have a docile temperament and tend to get along well with other birds.
The noise level and talking abilities vary greatly amongst this species. There are some quiet birds amongst them -- but others can get very noisy. In fact, their voices can carry over a mile. Mealies enjoy repeating a phrase over and over; each time using a different inflection.
Amazon ownership generally presents multiple challenges, such as excessive chewing - especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Aggressive behavior is especially common in "hormonal" amazons. Undisciplined amazons will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. They regard anything in your home as a "toy" that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable.
Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation.
Behavioral challenges that amazon present may include:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000077DEU?tag=avianhealth&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B000077DEU&creative=373489&camp=211189please visit the following websites for information:
Taxonomy:
Sub-species:
Blue-crowned Amazons
Chapman's Mealy Amazons:
Costa-Rica Mealy Amazons aka Green-headed Amazons:
Plain-colored Mealy Amazons:
Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) | on-line sounds from xeno-canto/world
Really loved this pic:
A pair of Yellow-crowned Amazons (Amazona ochrocephala) and a Mealy Amazon (Amazona farinosa) look like they're having a good time gathering at a 'parrot lick' along the Rio Napo in Ecuador. Uncropped f/6.3, iso 800, exp comp minus 2, 1/1000.
Can't wait to see what other have to share about these beauties
From the AvianWeb:
Useful Webpages: General Information about Amazon Parrots ... Amazon Species ... Amazon Photo Gallery .... The Diseases of the Amazon Parrots ... Amazon Nutrition / Diet ... Amazon Parrot Incubation Data
Books, DVDs and Other Media about Amazons (Sold / shipped out of:
Listing of Amazon Breeders
The Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) is one of the largest Amazon parrot species. The species is called the Mealy Amazon in the United States and the Blue-crowned Mealy Parrot in the United Kingdom.
The Mealy Parrot has a range from southern Mexico south into south-eastern Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, northern Bolivia and eastern Brazil; where they commonly inhabit the sparse Amazon Rainforest.
Status:
This parrots, although still relatively common in most of their range, has declined locally due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade. Trafficking of the birds is illegal in many nations, but the species are still smuggled into the United States from Mexico. In some areas Mealy Amazons are hunted as food.
The Mealy Amazon is commonly bred in captivity.
Description:
The Mealy Parrots are social and can usually be found in pairs or in large flocks. They are even known to interact with other parrots, such as macaws. They are usually quiet, but can get loud at dusk and dawn.
Mealy Parrots average 38-41 cm (15 - 17 inches) in length, including its tail and typically weigh between 540 to 700 g (19.01-24.64 ounces). Some Mealy parrots, however, are much larger than this.
Though less colorful than related parrot species, Mealy Parrots have a patch of blue, purple, or violet on the top of their heads. Along with the purple or blue crown, Mealy Parrot sometimes have patches of yellow on the head and usually have a green or mostly green body, with tail feathers being light green or lime at the tip. Some Mealy Parrots have a light blue/teal sheen to their green coat, and an undercoat of yellow, blue, purple, red, and/or teal. The beaks are usually yellowish. The eyes are a reddish-orange color, and underneath the eyes are usually white unfeathered rings.
Similar Species ID: In South America, it is commonly confused with the Yellow-crowned Amazon, but can be recognized by its larger size. It also has less yellow to the crown - although that is not entirely reliable, as some Yellow-crowned Amazons may show almost none. They have a whitish tinge to their plumage and broader white eye-rings. Also, the red of the leading edge of the wing is placed near the phalanx (not near the radiale), but this is often difficult to see (especially on perched birds). Their voices are also very different.
This species is often divided into subspecies:
- Mealy Parrot (A.f. farinosa) (Nominate (A. f. farinosa): Found in SE Colombia, S. Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil and N. Bolivia). ID: Red carpel edge, yellow feathers on head (nominate form).
- Plain-colored Mealy Amazons (A.f. inornata) - Found in E. Panama, W. and N. Colombia, NW Venezuela and W. Ecuador.
- Chapman's Mealy Amazons ( A.f. chapmani) - Found in SE Colombia, E. Ecuador, E. Peru and NE Bolivia.
- Costa-Rica Mealy or the Green-headed Amazons (A.f. virenticeps) - Found in Nicaragua to W. Panama.
- Blue-crowned Mealy or the Guatemalan Amazons (A.f. guatemalae) - Found in SE Mexico to Honduras
Breeding / Reproduction:
When Mealy Parrots reach sexual maturity they usually form monogamous relationships with a single partner. Courtship usually begins in early spring, starting in December through June.
The hen will usually lay three eggs, which she incubates for 24 - 28 days. The male will eat for both himself and the female during the incubation period. He will regurgitate the food for the female to eat. He will also help feed the chicks after hatching. The young usually leave the nest at around eight weeks of age.
Diet / Feeding:
Their natural diet consists of fruits (including berries), seeds, nuts, blossoms, and leaf buds. The Mealy Amazon sometimes feeds on human crops (especially corn) and may be considered a crop pest.
Personality and Behavioral Guidance:
All amazons can be aggressive but the Mealy Amazons are considered the gentle giants of the Amazon parrots and is not a naturally aggressive species. They are described as the gentlest and calmest of all amazon parrots. They generally have a docile temperament and tend to get along well with other birds.
The noise level and talking abilities vary greatly amongst this species. There are some quiet birds amongst them -- but others can get very noisy. In fact, their voices can carry over a mile. Mealies enjoy repeating a phrase over and over; each time using a different inflection.
Amazon ownership generally presents multiple challenges, such as excessive chewing - especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Aggressive behavior is especially common in "hormonal" amazons. Undisciplined amazons will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. They regard anything in your home as a "toy" that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable.
Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation.
- Excessive Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined parrots will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach an amazon parrot what is fine to chew on and what is "off-limits."
- Biting & Hormonal Behavior:
Dominant Behavior: Amazon Parrots, as most parrots, are likely to discover their beaks as a method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage." It really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established.- Training is vital to stop this aggressive behavior.
Hormonal Aggression: Amazon parrots are also known for their "hormonal" aggression phase. This phase usually appears between the ages of 5 to 12 years. During this time there will be one to two years in which they are likely to be very aggressive. Fortunately, once they go through this, they generally settle down with little or no aggression shown outside the breeding season - with some aggression, but to a lesser degree, when they are in breeding condition.
Amazons going through that stage are difficult to handle for many but the most experienced amazon owners. Species such as Lilac Crowns and Mealies are less excitable than other amazon species during the breeding season. Females tend to be calmer than males during this phase. An attack by a hormonal male can be vicious and will not be limited to one bite.
Many bird owners are bewildered by the fact that their previously so cuddly pet suddenly turns on them - their primary caretakers. To add insult to injury, their pet may pick another family member as their favorite. Dr. Jill Patt describes this being similar to a wild bird leaving its parents and choosing a mate. She suggests the following ways of dealing with it:
Amazons going through that stage are difficult to handle for many but the most experienced amazon owners. Species such as Lilac Crowns and Mealies are less excitable than other amazon species during the breeding season. Females tend to be calmer than males during this phase. An attack by a hormonal male can be vicious and will not be limited to one bite.
Many bird owners are bewildered by the fact that their previously so cuddly pet suddenly turns on them - their primary caretakers. To add insult to injury, their pet may pick another family member as their favorite. Dr. Jill Patt describes this being similar to a wild bird leaving its parents and choosing a mate. She suggests the following ways of dealing with it:
- Understand that this is a natural behavior.
- Have the family member the bird has picked limit their interaction with your bird, spend time with the bird when that family member is absent, and ensure that only you are the one to provide all favorite treats and activities.
- The environment can also be altered somewhat to attempt to reduce breeding behavior. Limiting the daylight hours to mimic a winter sun will often help.
- In some instances, the vet may prescribe drugs that balance out a pet's hormones.
- Click here for more information on reducing hormonal behavior in birds.
- Calling / Voicing / Screaming: Not everybody can tolerate the natural loud call of an amazon, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching. Amazon parrots are excellent talkers though, and their natural loud call can be replaced with human speech with a little bit of training. Fortunately, they are quick learners.
- AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000077DEU?tag=avianhealth&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B000077DEU&creative=373489&camp=211189please visit the following websites for information:
- Amazon General Information
- What Bird Fits Into My Lifestyle
- Procuring your Parrot: Mealy Amazons may cost between $500-$1,000 (depending on source, location and mutations).
- BREEDERS:
- Recommended Breeders
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- BREEDERS:
- The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy
- Housing Your Bird
- Bird Nutrition ... In the wild, the diet of Mealy Amazons consists mostly of fruits, seeds, berries, nuts, blossoms and leaf buds To learn more about the diet of the captive Amazon Parrot, please visit this webpage.
- Parrot Products
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Amazona farinosa farinosa ... English: Mealy Amazon ... Dutch: Grote Amazone, Geschimmelde Amazone ... German: Mülleramazone ... French: Amazone meunier
Sub-Species / Races Including Nominate: guatemalae, virenticeps, inornata, chapmani, farinosa ... CITES II - Endangered Speci
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots
Sub-Species / Races Including Nominate: guatemalae, virenticeps, inornata, chapmani, farinosa ... CITES II - Endangered Speci
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots
Sub-species:
Blue-crowned Amazons
Chapman's Mealy Amazons:
Description: Similar to the Mealy Parrot (A.f. inornata) described and featured, but larger. Taxonomists often question the validity of this subspecies, considering them to be unusually large.
Distribution: South-eastern Colombia, Ecuador, Northern Peru, North-eastern Bolivia
Species: Scientific: Amazona farinosa chapmani ... English: Chapman's Mealy Amazon ... Dutch: Chapmans Geschimmelde Amazone ... German: Chapmans Mülleramazone ... French: Amazone de Chapman
CITES II - Endangered Species
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (please scroll down to no. 2 - click on link to view photo)
Distribution: South-eastern Colombia, Ecuador, Northern Peru, North-eastern Bolivia
Species: Scientific: Amazona farinosa chapmani ... English: Chapman's Mealy Amazon ... Dutch: Chapmans Geschimmelde Amazone ... German: Chapmans Mülleramazone ... French: Amazone de Chapman
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (please scroll down to no. 2 - click on link to view photo)
Costa-Rica Mealy Amazons aka Green-headed Amazons:
Description: Average length: 38 cm or 15.2 inches. They have a yellow carpel edge. The overall feathering tends to be more yellowish.
Distribution: Westernmost Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua
Species: Scientific: Amazona farinosa virenticeps ... English: Costa-Rica Mealy Amazon, Green-headed Amazon ... Dutch: Costa Rica Amazone, Groenkopamazone ... German: Salvadoris Mülleramazone ... French: Amazone virenticeps
CITES II - Endangered Species
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (please scroll down to no. 4 - click on link to view photo)
Distribution: Westernmost Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua
Species: Scientific: Amazona farinosa virenticeps ... English: Costa-Rica Mealy Amazon, Green-headed Amazon ... Dutch: Costa Rica Amazone, Groenkopamazone ... German: Salvadoris Mülleramazone ... French: Amazone virenticeps
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (please scroll down to no. 4 - click on link to view photo)
Plain-colored Mealy Amazons:
Description: Plain-colored Mealy Amazons average 15.2 inches or 38 cm in length (including tail). They have few (if any) yellow feathers on head and the carpel edge is dull yellow. They tend to be larger and duller than the nominate Mealy Parrot (A. f. farinosa) - described and featured above. They are often referred to as the "plain colored amazon."
Distribution: Veraguas, Panama, Venezuela, Columbia, Andes, North-Western Ecuador
Species: Scientific: Amazona farinosa inornata ... English: Plain-colored or Plain-coloured Mealy Amazon ... Dutch: Groengeschimmelde Amazone ... German: Westlicher Mülleramazone ... French: Amazone meunier vertes
CITES II - Endangered Species
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (please scroll down to no. 3 - click on link to view photo)
On this site you can hear some recordings of their calls:Distribution: Veraguas, Panama, Venezuela, Columbia, Andes, North-Western Ecuador
Species: Scientific: Amazona farinosa inornata ... English: Plain-colored or Plain-coloured Mealy Amazon ... Dutch: Groengeschimmelde Amazone ... German: Westlicher Mülleramazone ... French: Amazone meunier vertes
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (please scroll down to no. 3 - click on link to view photo)
Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) | on-line sounds from xeno-canto/world
Really loved this pic:
A pair of Yellow-crowned Amazons (Amazona ochrocephala) and a Mealy Amazon (Amazona farinosa) look like they're having a good time gathering at a 'parrot lick' along the Rio Napo in Ecuador. Uncropped f/6.3, iso 800, exp comp minus 2, 1/1000.
Can't wait to see what other have to share about these beauties
Mealys are true gems in the bird world. 
What a sweet vid of his comfort feeding. How amazing that you are going to have such a long history with him Claire going back to when he was a baby. Something I've not experienced as my birdies where all adults when they came to live with me. That must be a very special bond.
Rescue is a # 1 thing with me and my dogs. But when a second Amazon came to mind, I wimped out over a baby OWA. I did look into rescue via Phoenix landing and Pedro a MRH was available. But I had found out he had an issue with screaming. He was placed in a home and soon after returned. I could not chance bringing in a bird with an issue to my other one who was young. So I opted for another breeder baby that I could raise. I have my pets for life, so that was my choice to start out again with a baby. It's been monkey see monkey do in my house with eating now that my other Zon is color pellet free and eats fresh foods because of 
lol. So i guess the red feathers are normal then!
. I'd never seen pics of other mealies with the red head feathers like Charlie, Thank you! hmmm how much do you think it would cost to ship one here from NC?! 
