Bird Guide

Lilac-crowned Amazon vs Yellow-headed Amazon

Lilac-crowned Amazon (Amazona finschi)

Lilac-crowned Amazon

Amazona finschi

Large302 gWoodland

The plumage of an adult lilac-crowned amazon is primarily green with yellowish underparts and black edging. The forehead is a maroon colour with a light blue-lilac neck, nape, and crown. The cheeks and ear coverts are a greenish yellow that lacks the edging that is present in most of the plumage. The primary feathers are dark blue with the secondary feathers being green while being tipped with the same dark blue colouring. Furthermore, the initial five secondary feathers have a bright red speculum on the edge of the feathers.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Lilac-crowned Amazon
Recorded by Jovani León · Los Mochis, Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: CDest · Public domain
Yellow-headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix)

Yellow-headed Amazon

Amazona oratrix

Large477 gForest

The yellow-headed amazon averages 38–43 centimetres (15–17 in) long. The shape is typical of amazons, with a robust build, rounded wings, and a square tail. The body is bright green, with yellow on the head, dark scallops on the neck, red at the bend of the wing, and yellow thighs. The flight feathers are blackish to bluish violet with a red patch on the outer secondaries. The base of the tail also has a red patch, which is usually hidden. The outer tail feathers have yellowish tips. The bill is horn-colored (gray), darker in immatures of the Belizean subspecies.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Yellow-headed Amazon
Recorded by Oliver Komar · Call · Near Lamanai Outpost, Orange Walk District, Belize · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: palindrome6996 · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Lilac-crowned Amazon and Yellow-headed Amazon.