Mealy Amazon

The Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa, is known by a variety of other names including Mealy Parrot, Blue-crowned Mealy Amazon, and Guatemalan Amazon. Mealy Amazons are one of the largest amazons, reaching up to about 15 - 16 inches (38 - 41 cm). This is quite a contrast to the White-fronted Amazon Amazona albifrons, which is only about 10 inches (26 cm) long. The beauty of the Mealy Amazon is more subtle than that of other Amazon birds. It gets the name 'mealy' from the peculiar gray-green coloring of its feathers making it appear to be dusted, like it has been powdered with a light sprinkling of flour. The feathers on the nape are edged in a dusky blue and tipped in black, giving a ruffled appearance to the back of the neck. The tail and some wing feathers are tipped in blue and may have some reds, and there may be a few yellow feathers in the crown. Some have a distinctly violet crown and are referred to as a Blue-crowned Mealy Amazon. Its eyes are unusual, being large and surrounded by a wide unfeathered white ring, which is something more often seen on conures than Amazons. Though not the most colorful or playful, the Mealy Amazon has a number of desirable qualities that sets it apart from other amazons. This hefty fellow, known as the "non-nippy amazon", is definitely one of the more lovable amazons. Big and big in heart, this parrot is non-territorial and has room for all in the family. They will just slowly walk around the home until they find someone who is being still, and then sit at their feet and wait to be picked up. Then they will be content to just sit on a shoulder while you walk around, or just sit and be still. Like most amazons the Mealy Amazon is very social, enjoying the companionship of people as well as other amazons. They make a wonderful calm companion and will quickly form a strong bond with their owner. The Mealy Parrot makes a most delightful pet. It is easy to tame and considered one of the best talkers. They are especially noted for having a very gentle disposition and are mostly quiet and harmonious. They are also quite hardy and robust. They can do well indoors or out, in a cage or an aviary.