Imperial Amazon / Imperial Parrot
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The Imperial Parrot is endemic to the Caribbean island nation of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles where it inhabits mountain forest areas above 2,100 ft (625 m).
Only a small population of less than 100 birds of this striking parrot have survived the loss of habitat, trapping for the pet trade and natural disasters, such as hurricanes. They are now listed on Appendix 1 and II of CITES as threatened / endangered species.
In the wild, they are mostly observed singly, in pairs or small groups of up to 10 birds. They prefer to sit on the top of tall trees. As they are usually quietly resting or feeding in the high canopy of the forest, they are very difficult to detect, especially so as they are well camouflaged by their plumage. These parrots tend to be shy and cautious. They are agile climbers and strong flyers with powerful wing beats occasionally interspersed with gliding phases.
Description:
The Imperial Parrot is the largest member in the genus Amazona, averaging up to 17.75 ins (45cm) in body length. It has is a beautiful green and purple plumage, with a green back, purple neck, green-tipped red tail and purple below. The head is brownish-purple variably washed greenish-blue with black edging to feathers. The ear-coverts are reddish-brown and the cheeks are purplish-brown with narrow black edging. The bill is grey; the irises are orange-red and the feet grey.
Immatures look like the adults, but the back of their heads and napes are green. The rear of their cheeks has a green tinge. Their irises are brown.
Both sexes look alike.
Aviculture:
To my knowledge breeding in captivity has not yet been achieved and they are seldom kept in aviculture. This parrot is initially not as hardy as other species and requires very careful acclimatization. Many of them die after only a few months in captivity. Heated, sheltered areas and a roosting box are recommended, in addition to careful monitoring of the parrot's health status by a qualified avian vet. However, once properly acclimatized, they are pretty hardy.
Due to their acute risk of extinction, any Imperial Amazon in captivity should be placed into a breeding program to hopefully prevent this species from joining the long list of extinct parrots.
They are usually not as active as other amazon species, are strong chewers and enjoy bathing.
Breeding: The breeding season is likely to commence in March and lasts until July. In the wild, they like to nest in tall trees, nesting in hollows of 30-35 ins (75 - 90 cm) in diameter, with an entrance hole of approximately 18 ins (45 cm). The hen lays 1 to 2 eggs.
Accommodation: These parrots need spacious accommodations. Outside flights are preferable and their minimum size should be 30 x 9 x 8 ft (10 x 3 x 2.5 m) with an adjoining sheltered area of 9 x 9 x 8 ft (3 x 3 x 2.5 m). As they are heavy chewers, metal construction is essential. Their nesting box should be around 14 x 14 x 48 ins (35 x 35 x 120 cm).
Diet:
- In their natural habitat, their diet consists of seeds (especially Dacryodes excelsa), palm fruits, nuts, fruits, flowers, buds and berries.
- In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet of fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, etc.) and vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.); a good quality seed mix consisting of safflower, oats, wheat, hemp, buckwheat, canary grass seed, millet and some sunflower. Sprouted seeds are also very nutritious and are especially valued as rearing food and during the breeding season. Small quantities of pine-nuts regularly should also be provided, as well as some peanuts. Biscuits and greenfood, such as dandelions, also add valuable nutritious components to this parrot's diet. A good quality vitamin and mineral supplement should be included in its daily dietary program. This parrot is inclined to obesity if not ample opportunities for exercise are provided.
Call:
This parrot is medium-noisy to noisy with a shrill whistling and shrieking cal that can particularly heard in the early morning hours or in the late afternoons. For the rest of the day, they are usually fairly quiet except when alarmed or during flight, when their calls turn trumpeting.
Procurement:
For information on purchasing this bird, please consider the following resources:
- What Bird Fits Into My Lifestyle?
- Procuring Birds
- 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 imperialis aka Amazona augusta ... English: Imperial Amazon ... Dutch: Keizeramazone ... German: Kaiseramazone ... French: Amazone impérial 
CITES I - Protected Species Distribution: Island of Dominica in the Carribean Lesser Antilles
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