The Red-crowned amazon (Amazona viridigenalis) also known as the green-cheeked amazon or red-crowned parrot or Mexican red-headed parrot, is one of the rarest Psittacidae of the genus Amazona.
Description
The Red-crowned amazon measures 30 to 33 cm with a wingspan of about 64 cm and a mass of 300 g.
Its plumage has a dominant green with yellow shades on the belly. The feathers are lined with brown, especially at the neck. The forehead is red, a color that extends to the back of the eyes. At the level of these goes to the neck a clear purple stripe. The cheeks and ear covers are very bright green at the origin of the vernacular name of this species. The wings have red stripes corresponding to the first five secondary covers. The green tail ends with a yellow bar.
The first-year bird is green with only a red forehead.
Distribution
This bird is found in northeastern Mexico. It reached Texas probably from that country but seems to have been introduced to Florida.
Its wild population is estimated at between 1,000 and 2,000 individuals. It is in severe decline due to its illegal export to the United States and the destruction of its habitat.
Feathers
The plumage of this bird has a dominant green with yellow shades on the belly. The feathers are lined with brown, especially at the neck. The forehead is red, a color that extends to the back of the eyes. At the level of these goes to the neck a clear purple stripe. The cheeks and ear covers are very bright green at the origin of the vernacular name of this species. The wings have red stripes corresponding to the first five secondary covers. The green tail ends with a yellow bar.
The young bird, first year, is green with only a red forehead.
Habitat
Common name: Green-cheeked
Amazon – Scientific name: Amazona viridigenalis
Class: Birds
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Habitat: The green-cheeked Amazon lives in deciduous and coniferous forests, dry forests as well as floodplain forests. It is also found in artificial terrestrial areas including pastures.
Geographical location: The green-cheeked Amazon is native to northeastern Mexico. It has also been introduced to southern Florida where it can be observed in urban areas.
Size: 30 to 33 cm
Weight: 300 g
Lifespan
Life expectancy: Up to 50 years in captivity
Reproduction: The green-cheeked Amazon usually nests in the hollows of a tree. The female lays 2-3 eggs, which she will incubate for 26 days. The young will leave the nest around 68 days and will be weaned a month later. Young people will be sexually mature around the age of 4.
Diet: Mainly vegetarian, the green-cheeked Amazon feeds on nuts, berries, buds, flowers, and fruits depending on the season.
Conservation
The Green-cheeked Amazon is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its wild population is estimated between 2,000 and 4,000 individuals. It is in severe decline due to its illegal export to the United States and the destruction of its habitat. Conservation actions are carried out in the wild, and a captive breeding program also exists for this species, in which the Parc de Clères participates.
Red-crowned amazon
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