Yellow-shouldered Amazon
Amazona barbadensis
Venezuela & Caribbean • Yellow-shouldered Parrot
IUCN Status
Endangered
The Yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona barbadensis) is a beautiful and increasingly rare Amazon parrot from northern Venezuela and the Caribbean islands (including Bonaire and Aruba). It features bright green plumage with distinctive yellow shoulders, a yellow crown, and a red wing speculum. Known for its intelligent, playful, and social personality, this species is a capable talker and makes a rewarding companion for experienced keepers. Due to habitat loss and the pet trade, it is listed as Endangered in the wild.
General Description
| Common Name | Yellow-shouldered Amazon (Yellow-shouldered Parrot) |
| Latin Name | Amazona barbadensis |
| Family | Psittacidae • Amazon Parrots |
| Adult Size | 33–36 cm (13–14 in) |
| Weight | 300–450 g |
| Life Span | 40–60+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 4–6 years |
| Clutch Size | 2–4 eggs |
| Gender Difference | Minimal visual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger; DNA testing is recommended. |
| Natural Habitat | Dry forests, mangroves, and coastal woodlands in northern South America and the Caribbean. |
| Origin / Range | Northern Venezuela, Bonaire, Aruba, and Margarita Island. |
| Care Level | Intermediate • Social and needs varied diet and enrichment |
Amazona barbadensis • Adult showing yellow shoulders and green plumage
YELLOW-SHOULDERED AMAZON • CARIBBEAN & VENEZUELAN ENDEMIC
Plumage & Features
The Yellow-shouldered Amazon is predominantly bright green with prominent yellow shoulders (the feature that gives it its name), a yellow crown, and a red wing speculum. The tail has a broad red band with blue and green edges. The beak is horn-coloured with a dark tip.
Juveniles have less yellow on the shoulders and duller overall coloration. This species is known for being vocal and a good talker when well socialised.
Conservation Status:
Endangered (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Amazona Genus
Northern Venezuela & Caribbean Islands
Yellow-shouldered Amazon