Birds
Parrots and macaws
PsittacidaeConservation statusMost species Least Concern
DietSeeds, nuts, fruit, and clay too
Lifespan40-60 years
Size and weightAmazon parrots about 35 cm, macaws up to about 90 cm
They fly over the river in pairs or small flocks, colorful and noisy.
Hooked beak
What makes it specialThey gather on clay cliffs and eat soil that is rich in sodium, a kind of salt.
Surprising factThe clay takes up poisons from seeds that are not ripe. So they can eat more kinds of food.
PopulationMost species are common. Ecuador has about 1,600 bird species, about 18 percent of the world's species.
The salt lick on the bank of the Napo River, in the morning