White-fronted Amazon – Playa Hermosa, CR

A White-fronted Amazon was high in a River Tamarind tree in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. It settled between the branches with a mate, showing off for a moment. Its bright green plumage blended surprisingly well with the foliage, but the white forehead, red face, and flashes of red on its wings stood out. White-fronted Amazons are among the smallest Amazon parrots, ranging from Mexico through Central America to northwestern Costa Rica. They are social, noisy birds that often travel in pairs or small flocks, feeding on seeds, fruit, flowers, and buds. This bird was on the branch above us, squawking like these parrots are known for. Interestingly, males typically have red patches on their wings, while females lack most or all of this colouring.