Hispaniolan Amazon
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Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots occur naturally in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and some offshore islands. Their numbers are decreasing in their native habitat and they are uncommon in aviculture.
Description:
Hispaniolan Amazons are small Amazon parrots that measure about 11 inches. Like most Amazons, they are green but have black edging to the feathers. The forehead is white which contrast with the blue of the forehead and cheeks. These unusual birds also have a red abdomen as well as red on the underside of the tail feathers. The top of the tail is green with slight yellowish coloration at the tips. (Source: R&B Aviary - Breeder)
Breeding:
Breeding season starts in April and goes on until about August. In their natural habitat, they nest in natural hollows or those excavated by woodpeckers in dead trees.
In captivity, breeding pairs should be isolated from other birds. However, hearing other amazons in near-by aviaries may stimulate breeding.
The hen lays 3 to 4 eggs, measuring 1.41 x 1.09 ins (35.7 x 27.6 mm). These eggs are incubated for 25 to 26 days, and the young fledge when they are bout 7 or 8 weeks old.
Their nesting box should be about 10 x 10 x 24 ins (25 x 25 x 26 cm) with the entrance hole having a diameter of 3 ins (8 cm).
Diet:
In the wild, they eat fruits, berries and seeds. They are occasionally seen foraging in gardens and fruit plantations, occasionally causing damage to grain fields.
In captivity, a good quality fortified seed mix in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables should be provided, especially apples, carrots, bananas and citrus fruits, as well as rose-hips, elderberries, rowanberries, half-ripe maize and green food. They also enjoy sprouted seeds and pine-nuts. Because of their tendency to obesity, these amazons should given small amounts of sunflower or safflower seeds as treats, except when they are in breeding mode. Willow twigs should be provided throughout the year.
In breeding season, a good quality mineral supplement and bread and biscuits for rearing should be provided.
Procurement / Care:
For information on purchasing this bird, please consider the following resources:
- What Bird Fits Into My Lifestyle?
- Procuring Birds
- Breeder: R&B Aviary - Breeder & Parrot Connoisseur)
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here for info.
- NOTE: Aviculturists and breeders of Protected Species that take part in the preservation and conservation of critically endangered birds are encouraged to list their group information at no cost to them. Please e-mail me the information.
Please refer to the following websites for information:
- Optimal nutrition to keep your bird healthy
- Housing your bird
- Caring for your companion bird
Species: Scientific: Amazona ventralis ... English: Hispanolian Amazon ... Dutch: Hispaniola Amazone, Blauwkroonamazone ... German: Blaukronenamazone ... French: Amazone à ventre pourpre 
CITES II - Endangered Species Distribution: Hispaniola and Offshore islands, West Indies.
Introduced Puerto Rico Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
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