Body Temperature of the Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrot (Amazona oratrix sp)

The yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona oratrix sp) is an endangered species because of habitat loss and illegal trafficking. Currently, there is no data on body temperature available for this species, and this makes a complete clinical examination for determining its health status difficult. The objective of this study was to compare 2 methods for measuring body temperature (digital rectal thermometer, skin infrared thermometer) in 22 yellow-headed Amazon parrots. Over multiple measurements, the mean cloacal and skin temperatures were 41.46 ± 0.45°C (106.62 ± 0.81°F) and 40.69 ± 0.37°C (105.24 ± 0.67°F), respectively, and there was a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.552, P = 0.008) between the 2 methods. These data can be useful for evaluating the health of these endangered parrots. Future studies evaluating other species of parrots should be conducted to obtain specific information and to avoid the use of nonspecific ranges. It is also suggested that temperatures be measured noninvasively from other anatomical sites to reduce stress and maintain the welfare of these parrots.