Tucumán Amazon Parrots
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The Tucumán Amazon (Tucumana) is native to Argentina in the provinces of Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy as well as Southeast Bolivia in provinces of Chuquisaca and Tarija. They prefer forested areas between 3,400 and 7,300 ft; but may migrate to lower altitudes in autumn and winter (1,000 ft).
They are rare and endangered due to habitat destruction and trapping for the pet trade.
Description:
This amazon parrot averages 10 ins (25 cm) from head to tail.
Its overall plumage is green and all feathers have a pronounced black edging, except for the wings. The forehead, front of crown and primary-coverts are red. The thighs are partly orange-yellow and the primaries are green with blue tips. The underside of the wings are olive-green, and the upperside of the tail is green with yellowish-greenish tips. The bill is light horn-colored.
Female as male, but with six red primary-coverts at most; usually less. Remainder of primary-coverts are green. Occasionally all primary-coverts are green.
Immatures as female with partly green primary-coverts. Their irises are dark brown.
Diet:
Their natural diet consists of seeds, fruits, berries, flowers and nuts.
Captive diet should consist of:
- a seed mix of safflower, wheat, oats, canary grass seed and various millets, sprouted in spring and summer with sunflower
- plenty of vegetables and fruits, especially, apples, cucumbers, carrots, rose-hips, elder and rowanberries, half-ripe maize, and greenfood.
- regular mineral supplement\
Aviculture:
This is a medium-noisy parrot, which can be especially noisy in the morning and evenings. They are not hard chewers and enjoy being sprayed. They are active and like to fly. They don't become as confiding as other parrots towards their caretakers.
Even after acclimatization period, newly imported birds are not as hardy as other amazons.
They may be kept in a communal aviary outside the breeding season. However, during the breeding season, it is essential to separate breeding pairs from other birds, as they become very aggressive and territorial during this time.
Breeding is usually easily achieved. As far as nesting facilities are concerned, they like natural stumps with 12 ins. (30 cm) diameter, but will accept a nest box 12 x 12 x 20 ins (30 x 30 x 5 cm) with entrance hole of 4 ins (10 cm).
Breeding activities usually commence in early May. The hen lays 3 to 4 eggs, a relatively high percentage of which are infertile. The incubation time is 23 to 25 days and the young fledge after 50 to 55 days. The young continue to be fed for up to 10 weeks after leaving the nest. Both male and female raise the chicks.
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
- The 3 Key Elements to Your Pet Bird's Happiness and Health
- Caring for your companion bird
Species: Scientific:Amazona tucumana aka Amazona pretrei tucumana ... English: Tucumán Amazon ... Dutch: Tucumán Amazone ... German: Tucumán Amazone ... French: Amazone de Tucumán 
CITES I - Protected Species Distribution: South-eastern Bolivia, Northern Argentina
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!
