Lilac-Crowned Amazon
Description
The lilac-crowned parrot (Amazona finschi) is a parrot endemic to the Pacific slopes of Mexico. Also known as Finsch's amazon or the lilac-crowned amazon, it is characterized by green plumage, a maroon forehead, and violet-blue crown and neck.
The binomial of this bird commemorates the German naturalist and explorer Otto Finsch.
In 2006, BirdLife International classified this species as vulnerable. In 2014, IUCN uplisted this species to Endangered.
The plumage of an adult lilac-crowned parrot is primarily green with yellowish underparts and black edging. The forehead is a maroon color with a light blue-lilac neck, nape, and crown. The cheeks and ear coverts are a greenish yellow that lacks the edging that is present in most of the plumage. The primary feathers are dark blue with the secondary feathers being green while being tipped with the same dark blue coloring. Furthermore, the initial five secondary feathers have a bright red speculum on the edge of the feathers. The wing coverts, underside of the flight feathers, and the tail are green while the tail is tipped with a yellowish coloring similar to that of the cheeks and ear coverts. Their beak, orbital rings, and legs are a palebrown-grey coloring. The irides of adult lilac-crowned parrots are amber colored.
Juvenile lilac-crowned parrots are visually similar to their adult forms except for minor differences. One difference is that the iris of juveniles are a dark brown as opposed to the amber coloring that is found in adults. The other major difference is that there less maroon colored feathers on the forehead of juveniles. After about one year juveniles begin to acquire these adult features.
Scientific Name
Amazona Finschi
Country Of Origin
Mexico
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability
Fair
Characteristics
The lilac-crowned Amazon has all the typical spunk of a large Amazon, but with a slightly quieter voice and endless devotion to its favorite person. Lilac crowns are smaller than other Amazons, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in personality. Lilac-crowned Amazons also tend to be less vocal than other Amazons. Male lilac crowns tend to be more gregarious and are known for being macho, flaring their tail and pinning their eyes as they strut the notorious Amazon strut. Females can be clingy, girly and demonstrate nesting instincts, according to Diana Holloway, former president of the Amazona Society.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Lilac-crowned Amazons love to eat, so owners must watch the portions fed. Most Amazons also have the tendency for obesity. Vary their diets with fruits, vegetables and pellets. They are also susceptible to vitamin-A and calcium deficiencies and upper respiratory infections. Larger cages are optimal for lilac-crowned Amazons, so they have room to move and climb around, play with toys and exercise. Holloway recommends parrot owners have a separate bird room for their lilac-crowned Amazons to be housed when company is around and to give the pet bird a private area to get proper rest.
Expert Advice
“Calmer than the DYH and BF, quieter and milder personality, talking ability less and so is noise.”
Liz Wilson, CVT, CPBC