Amazon of the Week 5/16/10

[Jayd]

The Lilac-crowned Amazon is very special to us. Back in the 70's, Mr. B, a Lilac-crowned Amazon was our first large parrot rescue. Here a link to his story if anyone would like to read it. http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?177077-1st-Amazon!

The Lilac-crowned Amazon - also known as the Finsch's Amazon Parrot - is endemic to the Pacific slopes of Mexico. These birds inhabit wooded foothills and mountains, plains, grain fields, and banana plantations.

The Lilac-crowned Amazon or Finsch's Amazon has been recognized for well over 100 years. It was documented as early as 1864 by Dr. Otto Finsch, who wrote well over 400 works on orithology. This amazon is named for him.

The Lilac-crowned Amazon or Finsch's Amazon has green plumage though more yellow on the underparts. The feathers of the neck and upper sides are edged in black giving it a scalloped appearance that resembles an African Gray. The forehead and lores back to the eyes are a red brown. There is a blue mauve on the crown and neck making a half moon shape around the cheeks, which are a yellowish-green. The outer feathers of the wings are edged in a violet blue, there is a red speculum, and the tail is tipped with a yellow-green. The eye is orange, the beak is horn-colored, and the legs are greenish-gray. Juveniles are similar to the adults but their eyes are dark brown.

Mature birds are about 13 inches (33 cm) long from the head to the tip of the tall.

This dynamic little amazon is a fair talker and makes a fine pet. But though the Lilac-crowned Amazon is affectionate and clever, it is also very lively. It needs lots of activities and will do best spending a good portion of its time outside of its cage where it can climb, play, and fly for exercise. They do very well in an aviary which gives them more room on a regular basis.

Amazons are probably one of the most independent of the parrots. They can entertain themselves for hours with the simplest of items or can do the perfect imitation of tarzan from the most complex toy. They will allow you to cuddle them when THEY want to be cuddled but if they are not in the mood, watch out.

Like most amazons they are very social, enjoying the companionship of people as well as other amazons. They make a wonderful companion and will quickly form a strong bond with their owner.

There are feral populations of this bird in several counties in southern California. It has been observed in residential and suburban areas, but also in native coniferous forest in the San Gabriel Mountains, California, USA.

http://www.avianweb.com/lilaccrownedamazon.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilac-crowned_Amazon

http://www.parrots.org/index.php/encyclopedia/profile/lilac_crowned_amazon/

 

[judygram]

What a gorgeous bird, I love the color on the forehead of this one, what a beauty it is, of course I haven't seen one yet that wasn't beautiful. Thanks so much Jay for doing the weekly threads on the many species of the amazon parrot.

[Luvparrots]

What a pretty amazon! I wouldn't mind having one of these cuties. Thanks Jay for another great post on amazons.

[JillyBeanz]

Ahh, they are beautiful - and I'm sure Mr B was as special as all of your others. I particularly like that beautiful cerise colour over their forehead - it is spectacular x Thanks for yet another great piece

[Greywings]

We have three of them at the Sanctuary and I find them to be a little quieter and more reserved with the other Amazons then most of the other species. Beautiful birds and under-appreciated in the the world of pet birds I think. Thank you for highlighting them.

[kittykittykitty]

How can any one NOT like these beauties! Thank you Jay.

[Luvparrots]

My rescued Sadie is a 20-year old lilac-headed zon. She does not talk is a sweet zon.