YELLOW-SHOULDERED PARROT
Amazona barbadensis

 

Although hardly a common bird, we've included it here because it is one of those must-see species when you travel to Bonaire . These large, chunky parrots are green all over with a yellow forehead and red on shoulder and speculum. They are distinguished from the parakeets by their short tail and rounded wings, noticeable in flight. This species also occurred in Aruba but was extirpated in the mid-nineteenth century. They continue to be of high conservation concern on Bonaire , particularly due the caged bird trade. In fact, some estimates put the number of “pet” Yellow-shouldered Parrots on Bonaire higher than the number found in the wild. Park officials have great difficulty keeping nests from being raided by humans. Look for these beautiful birds as you drive through the park.