Puerto Rican Amazons aka Iguaca
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The Puerto Rican Amazon Parrot is an endemic parrot of the archipelago of Puerto Rico. Its range is believed to have included the offshore island of Vieques in the past. The species is the only remaining native parrot in United States territory and one of the 10 most endangered bird species in the world.
Another common name for the Puerto Rican Parrot is Iguaca, an onomatopoeic name given by Taínos that resembled the sound the parrots make when they take flight.
Description:
This parrot averages 11.5 ins (29 cm) in length. Its general plumage is green. The breast, abdomen and under tail-coverts are yellowish-green. The head, breast, nape, back and some of the abdomen feathers have a black edging. The forehead and lores are red and the abdomen in some birds have reddish tinge.
The primary-coverts and primaries are dark blue and the outer webs of the outermost secondaries are blue with green edging
The bill is horn-colored, the feet are flesh-colored and the irises are brown.
Immatures have dark irises and paler and less extensive red foreheads. The base of their upper mandible is tinged in grey.
Procurement & Care:
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 vittata vittata ... English: Puerto Rican Amazon ... Dutch: Puertoricaanse Amazone, Roodkopamazone ... German: Puerto Rico Amazone ... French: Amazone à front rouge, Amazone de Puerto Rico
Sub-species:
This Amazon Parrot was formerly found on Culebra Island to the East of Puerto Rico, but became extinct in that area at the turn of this century. Today, this extremely endangered species is restricted to Luquillo Mountains, an area of about 44 sq. miles (114 sq. kilometres), with a wild population of only about 50 birds and 30 to 40 in captivity.
The causes of their decline are habitat destruction, hunting, trapping for the pet trade as well as natural causes, such as hurricanes.
Description: They look like the Puerto Rican Amazon featured above, except at a length of 10 ins (25 cm), they are generally smaller and have more slender feet.
Call: Raucous, rolling screech; special alarm call when flying off.
Breeding: The breeding season starts in February and continues until about June. They nest in tree hollows; although nowadays accept artificial nest sites. The females lay 2 to 4 eggs, which she incubates for 25 to 27 days. The young fledge when they are about 65 days old. They reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years.
Aviculture: They are more susceptible than other amazon species and difficult to acclimatize. At this time, they are only kept at a breeding station of the US Fish and Wildlife Service on Puerto Rico and in Patuxent Research Center, Maryland, U.S.A. Their flights are 10.3 x 5.3 x 8.3 ft (3.1 x 1.6 x 2.5 m) with an adjoining shelter of 6.6 x 9.6 x 8.3 ft (2.0 x 2.9 x 2.5 m). As they are heavy chewers, metal construction was used. Their nest boxes are 16 x 16 x 32 ins (40 x 40 x 80 cm).
Diet: Mainly fruits, berries vegetables and nuts grown on Puerto Rico; also seeds, leaves, branches, bark, flowers, and buds; especially feeds off palm fruits (Prestoea montana) during breeding season. Additionally, sunflower seeds and peanuts; as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.
Species: Scientific: Amazona vittata gracilipes ... English: Culebra Island Amazon ... Dutch: Culebra Amazone ... German: Culebra Amazone ... French: Amazone de Culebra
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.
Photo contributions are welcome!
