Red-crowned amazon
| Red-crowned amazon | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Psittaciformes |
| Family: | Psittacidae |
| Genus: | Amazona |
| Species: | A. viridigenalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Amazona viridigenalis (Cassin, 1853) | |
The red-crowned amazon, (Amazona viridigenalis) also known as red-crowned parrot, green-cheeked amazon, or Mexican red-headed parrot, is an endangered amazon parrot native to northeastern Mexico. The current native wild population of between 1,000 and 2,000 is decreasing. The main threats to the native bird's survival are the illegal export of trapped birds from Mexico to the United States and the destruction of habitat.
Description
Their appearance is generally green with the most notable features being a bright red forehead and crown, dark blue streak behind the eyes, and light green cheeks.
Range
Their natural range is across the lowlands of northeastern Mexico. Feral birds have bred in urban communities of Southern California, Southern Florida, and the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Birds in South Texas may be either feral, descendants of natural vagrants from Mexico, or both.
Behavior
They gather in large flocks being noisiest in the morning and evening. The characteristic screeching heard of these birds usually occurs when they travel in a large flock to a new feeding area. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, flowers and nectar. Red-crowned amazons nest in tree cavities, like most other parrots.
Aviculture
These parrots are often kept as pets and can be very affectionate and playful when given the attention they need from their owners. Although some are excellent talkers and copy voices, they are best at mimicking sounds.
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2013). "Amazona viridigenalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- "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
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to the red-crowned amazon. |
- Species factsheet - BirdLife International
- Red-crowned parrot in Texas
- Description - California Parrot Project