Lilacine amazon

The lilacine amazon (Amazona lilacina) is an amazon parrot native to Ecuador in South America.[1] The lilacine amazon is generally smaller than its related species, with a black beak and more subdued coloring.[2][3] Lilacine amazons are said to make favorable companion parrots because of their gentle, affectionate nature and agreeable temperament.[3] According to the IOC World Bird List, it is still considered to be a subspecies of the red-lored amazon as Amazona autumnalis lilacina.[4]

Lilacine amazon
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Amazona
Species:
A. lilacina
Binomial name
Amazona lilacina
(Lesson, 1844)
Synonyms
  • Chrysotis lilacina
A. lilacina at Chester Zoo

Description

The lilacine amazon is a small parrot, approximately 34 cm long when mature, with primarily green plumage. Like the red-lored amazon, it has red lores and yellow cheeks; its distinguishing features include a fully black beak, and lilac-tipped feathers on its crown.[3][5]

Behavior

The lilacine amazon is known for its gentle and timid nature. In the wild it avoids confrontation with intruders, opting to seek cover in nearby foliage until danger has passed. It usually spends time in small- to medium-sized groups, with which it roosts at night; many birds pair off monogamously within the larger group, and they are most frequently seen flying in pairs.[6]

Diet

The diet of the lilacine amazon consists primarily of fruits, nuts, berries, and seeds. Like most parrots, it possesses a powerful beak; its dexterous tongue also helps to break down and consume a diverse suite of foodstuffs.[6]

Breeding

Sexual maturity is reached at three or four years of age. Like most parrots, the lilacine amazon is a monogamous breeder and a cavity nester. The hen will lay two to four eggs in a tree cavity and incubate them for a period of three weeks; the young fledge about two months after hatching.[3][6]

As with many other parrots, the male will keep the female and chicks nourished during their time in the nest by consuming additional food and regurgitating it for them.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The lilacine amazon is native to the tropical dry forests of western Ecuador north of the Gulf of Guayaquil, extending to Nariño in extreme south-western Colombia adjacent to the Ecuadorian border, where it intersects with the subspecies A. a. salvini.[5]

Aviculture

Lilacine amazons have become well regarded as companion parrots, intelligent with a personality often described as gentle, affectionate, and loyal. In captivity, they enjoy the company of people, and will often form a strong bond with their owner. They are not known as exceptional talkers, but most individuals are able to learn to mimic at least a few phrases.[3]

The lilacine amazon has only recently become popular and common in the pet trade, formerly being quite rare.[2] At least one captive breeding program has been established in Europe to increase the bird's numbers.[6]

References
  1. "BirdLife International (2020) Species factsheet: Amazona lilacina". 6 June 2020.
  2. "Amazon Parrots, Part 1". Organization of Professional Aviculturists. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  3. Brough, Clarice. "Lilacine Amazon". Animal-World. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  4. "IOC World Bird List v10.1 | Parrots". 25 January 2020.
  5. Juniper, Tony; Mike Parr; Kim Franklin (1998). Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World. Yale University Press.
  6. "Ecuadorian red-lored Amazon". Bristol Zoo. Archived from the original on 1 January 2009. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
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