Scaly-naped amazon

There are two subspecies:

A.m. mercenarius- It is the nominate form.

A.m. canipalliata- It is similar to the nominate, but has hidden maroon marks instead of the red speculum at the bases of the first to third wing secondaries.[2]

Adults are 34 cm long and weigh 300g. Nominate forms are bright green in color, with dark green feathers tinged a dull blue/black and tipped with a dull black from the crown to the nape. The eyes are red with a pale gray eye-ring. The first to third secondary wing feathers have red bases, with the remaining wing feathers having green bases. The carpal edge is yellow mixed with red and orange. The tail is green with a yellow-green band, with the side tail feather being banded red and blue-purple and the outermost tail feather being margined with blue-purple. The bill is gray and horn in color. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but possess a pale horn colored bill tinged with gray and brown eyes.[3]

It is usually found in pairs or small flocks of birds. Nesting areas usually in inaccessible places.[4]

It is found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. It occurs at elevations of 800-1600 m above sea level.[4]

It inhabits hill and mountain forest in the upper tropical, subtropical and temperate areas. It also lives in open woodland containing large trees, open forest on ridges, and in wooded valleys and ravines in the paramo zone.[4]

It is listed as least concern. It has a large range, and although its population has not been quantified, it is thought to be fairly common throughout its range.[5]