Red-crowned Parrot
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| Amazona viridigenalis (Cassin, 1853) |
The Red-crowned Parrot, (Amazona viridigenalis) also known as Green-cheeked Amazon, Red-crowned Amazon, or Mexican Red-headed Parrot, is an endangered Amazon parrot native to north-east Mexico. The current native wild population of between 3,000 and 6,500 is decreasing. The main threats to its survival are the illegal export of trapped birds from Mexico to the USA, and the destruction of habitat.
Their appearance is generally green with the most notable features being dark blue streaks behind the eyes, a bright red forehead and crown with light green cheeks. Their natural range is across the lowlands of North-eastern Mexico. Feral birds have been introduced to urban communities of southern California and southern Florida. Birds in southeastern Texas may be either feral or wandering wild birds from Mexico.
They gather in large flocks being noisiest in the morning and evening. The characteristic screeching heard of these birds usually occurs when travelling en masse to a new feeding area. Diet consists of seeds, fruits, berries, flowers and nectar. Red-crowned Parrots nest in tree cavities like most other parrots.
This parrot is often kept as a pet and can be very affectionate and playful when given the attention they need from their owners. They should be given toys to play with if left alone. Although some are excellent talkers, they are best at mimicking sounds.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Amazona viridigenalis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is endangered, and the criteria used. RangeMap:
- "National Geographic" Field Guide to the Birds of North America ISBN 0-7922-6877-6
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Vol 4, Josep del Hoyo editor, ISBN 84-87334-22-9
- "National Audubon Society" The Sibley Guide to Birds, by David Allen Sibley, ISBN 0-679-45122-6
