Green-Cheeked Amazon
Description
The green-cheeked amazon, (Amazona viridigenalis) also known as red-crowned parrot,red-crowned amazon , or Mexican red-headed parrot, is a highly social, endangered amazon parrot native to northeastern Mexico. The current native wild population of between 1,000 and 2,000 is decreasing. The main threats to the native bird's survival are the illegal export of trapped birds from Mexico to the United States for the pet trade and the destruction of their natural habitat, lowland forests of Northeastern Mexico.
Their appearance is generally green with the most notable features being a bright red forehead and crown, dark blue streak behind the eyes, and light green cheeks. It is not uncommon for Red-crowned Amazons to have splashes of red and blue under their wings and have light yellow-tipped tails. They have a white eye-ring which brings out their eyes. Their iris color can range from a bright yellow to a deep red, although juveniles' eyes are gray until maturity. Red-crowned amazons usually have horn colored beaks and ceres but these can sometimes have black highlights. Their legs are flesh-colored or gray. They are approximately 11-13 inches in length from the beak to the tip of the tail feathers with a wingspan of 15-16 inches. Amazon parrots are not sexually dimorphic, so the only true way to know a parrot's sex is by genetic testing. Their average weight is 270g.
Scientific Name
Amazona Viridigenalis
Country Of Origin
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability
Good with training
Characteristics
The brightly colored green-cheeked Amazons’ engaging attitude and affectionate personalities make them good family pets. These Amazons like human interaction. They also do well interacting with other pet birds.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Amazon’s have a tendency for obesity, so provide green-cheeked Amazon receives a balanced, low-fat diet of pellets, fruits and vegetables along with plenty of exercise. These pet birds are also susceptible to vitamin-A and calcium deficiencies and psittacosis. Larger housing is ideal for green-cheeked Amazons to give them plenty of room to climb, fly and play for exercise. Diana Holloway, former president of The Amazona Society, recommends a bird room not only to give the owner some quiet time but also to have an area where the pet bird can sleep well. Adult males are green with black trim on the nape, mantle and upper breast feathers and their forehead, lores and crown are crimson colored and a violet-blue band goes across the eye to the side of the neck. Females are similarly colored but with slightly redder crowns.
Expert Advice
“Not seen as often as the yellowheads. They should not be overlooked as their temperament and personality will compliment an active family.”
Diana Holloway, former president of The Amazona Society (amazonasociety.org) and former bird breeder