Amazon Parrot Profile: Lilac-Crowned Amazon Parrot Species Profile

 Lilac-crowned Amazonian species differ from other Amazonian parrot species in that they are not generally aggressive or demanding. It is a smaller Amazon that is relatively gentle with calm manners.

Amazon Parrot Profile: Lilac-Crowned Amazon Parrot Species Profile

 In many ways, it is a better pet than the showier species, although it is not as talkative. For an Amazonian family member, his colors are more subdued, but he is still handsome and makes a wonderful companion bird for those with experience caring for parrots.

Species Overview

- COMMON NAMES: Finsch's parrot, Lilac-crowned Amazon parrot.

- SCIENTIFIC NAME: Amazona finschi.

- ADULT SIZE: They measure about 13 inches, which is on the smaller side for Amazon parrots.

- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 60 years or more, in captivity.

Origin and history

 The Pacific coast of Mexico is the natural habitat of the lilac-crowned Amazon parrot. Its preferred habitat is moist pine or oak forests up to an elevation of about 6,000 feet. It is named Finsch's Parrot in honor of German naturalist and explorer Otto Finsch.

 Due to habitat destruction and illicit acquisition of the pet trade, wild populations are in decline. There are less than 10,000 birds left in the wild. Flocks of wild birds exist in California, both in Orange County and in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Temperament

 Lilac-crowned Amazon parrots are naturally interesting and lively animals. Like all parrots, and amazon parrots, in particular, these birds need plenty of mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

 Lilac-crowned Amazon parrots form strong bonds with their owners and need plenty of daily social interaction to thrive.

 Like many parrots, Lilac-crowned Amazons may go through a hormonal bluffing or biting phase when they reach sexual maturity. Because of how traumatic this brief period may be for caretakers, this species mates best with knowledgeable avian owners.

 The Lilac-crowned Amazon is more subdued than other Amazons, so it's usually not as vocal. Smart species, he can learn to speak. It can also scream loudly as an alarm when it senses danger or sees strangers approaching.

Speech and Vocalizations

 Although not renowned for their ability to speak, lilac-crowned amazon parrots can learn an impressive vocabulary of words and phrases. As the bird hears repetitive sounds and spends time around you, it will pick up a few words. They have loud natural calls, but these are not often heard.

Colors and Markings of the Lilac-Crowned Amazon Parrot

 Lilac-crowned Amazon parrots are mostly a brilliant green color with a red blaze on the forehead that transitions to an iridescent lilac-colored patch on the back of the head and neck. Their beaks are the color of a horn, and their feet are bluish flesh color with touches of red and blue.

 This species closely resembles the red-crowned Amazon parrot, but the crown is a less bright purple-lilac rather than bright red, and its tail is slightly longer.

 The colour and markings of this species' males and females are identical. To determine sex, the bird would need genetic or surgical sexing.

Caring for the Lilac-Crowned Amazon Parrot

 Kept as pets since the 1800s, lilac-crowned amazon parrots are loving companions for experienced bird owners. Their beauty, charm, and intelligence have helped them remain among the most popular Amazonian parrot species.

 Like all Amazonian parrots, this species needs a spacious cage that gives it room for exercise. Physical activity reduces his risk of obesity. The cage should be equipped with a playpen at the top and at least one other playpen in the house for his daily excursions out of the cage.

 All Amazon parrots thrive on social interaction and need it in healthy doses to stay healthy and happy. Lilac-crowned Amazons live in small groups in the wild. In captivity, it's up to you and your family to become that herd. A neglected parrot becomes lonely and will exhibit destructive behaviors and depression. Every day, set aside a good chunk of time for one-on-one interaction and bonding with your bird.

 The Lilac Crown likes water, just like other Amazons, and requires a shower at least once each week. Alternatively, if you give him a bowl of water, he'll probably bathe.

 Like most other parrots, if you adopt a Lilac-Crowned Amazon, expect to be caring for a creature with the intellect and emotional IQ of a human toddler. These birds can live for over 60 years if properly cared for, so adopting one is not a commitment to be taken lightly.

Common health issues

 The lilac-crowned Amazon is prone to obesity; pay particular attention to the amount and types of food offered daily. The following ailments can also impact lilac-crowned Amazon parrots:

• Polyomavirus is a viral disease that can cause anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and death.

• Chlamydia is a bacterial infection with symptoms such as lack of appetite, fluffy feathers, and runny nose.

• Vitamin A deficiency is a result of an inadequate nutrient diet.

Diet and nutrition

 In the wild, the lilac-crowned parrot consumes flowers, seeds, tree fruits, berries, new leaves, and grain and fruit crops.

 Like all Amazon parrots, lilac-crowned amazons do best on a high-quality pelleted diet supplemented with a seed mix and daily servings of bird-safe fresh fruits and vegetables. A fresh and varied diet will help ensure that your bird maintains optimal nutrition and health.

Exercise

 Amazon parrots are prone to excessive weight gain, so they should have room to exercise daily. You should be able to give him a minimum of three to four hours of supervised play outside his crate daily. This will allow the bird to burn off excess calories, stretch its muscles and help get essential mental stimulation.

 Be sure to provide the bird with a variety of wooden chew toys, as well as sturdy perches and foot toys for it to grasp. Without these items, your furniture could become vulnerable to this bird's natural inclination to chew.

FAQ

Where to Purchase or Adopt an Amazon Lilac Crowned Parrot?

 In captivity, the bird does not reproduce successfully, so it's a safe bet that contraband (illegally captured) birds are circulating via the pet trade. Consider that the bird you are looking for may be obtained illegally. Some breeders may be successful in breeding, so consider these breeders carefully before deciding to buy. A lilac-crowned Amazon typically costs $1,800.

How numerous lilac-crowned Amazons are on the planet?

 The population of the lilac-crowned Amazon parrot has been steadily declining, making it an endangered species. The number of individuals in the wild is estimated at 10,000. This population decline is caused by the illegal capture of this parrot for the pet trade, as it is usually kept in captivity as a pet due to its colorful, bright yellow, and green plumage and friendly demeanor. Lilac-crowned amazons are also threatened due to habitat loss due to human interference, such as deforestation of their native natural forest habitats.

How do they reproduce?

 In the wild, the breeding season of lilac-crowned Amazon parrots begins in February and ends in June. During this period, the interaction between these parrots is at a high level as they describe their own mating behavior. After the male and female have mated, the female will lay one to four eggs, which is the average clutch size for these birds.

 The female subsequently spends 28 days incubating the eggs. However, in these birds, the chances of survival of the young are low, which is the result of climatic variability in their range.  Unfortunately, Amazon parrots are a difficult species to keep, which causes a lot of problems for breeders, making it difficult to breed them in captivity due to their unpredictable behavior.