Cuban Amazons
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The Cuban Amazon Parrots (Amazona leucocephala leucocephala) originate from the island of Cuba,, Isle of Pines. Other than Florida (due to its proximity to Cuba), these parrots are not easily found in the United States. The remaining numbers in the wild are so low that it is listed with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (C.I.T.E.S.), as an Appendix I species. Appendix I species are those that are close to extinction. They are also listed as an endangered species on the United States Fish & Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Endangered Species List.
- Due to their endangered status, a USFWS Captive Wildlife Permit is required for any international or interstate movement of these birds.
Description:
At an average length of 32 cm or 12.8 inches, the Cuban Amazon Parrots is a medium-sized parrot, yet it is one of the smallest of the Amazon Parrots. They are about the same size as the White Fronted Amazon Parrot. The plumage of the Cuban Amazon is striking to say the least, as can be seen from the photos to the right.
There is very little difference in the coloration and/or size between males and females. DNA sexing is the most reliable method to determine their sex.
Personality / Pet Potential:
In Cuba they are frequently kept as pets and have shown the ability to make outstanding talkers. The Cuban Amazon is a very gregarious species and can be noisy at times.
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Amazon ownership generally presents multiple challenges, such as excessive chewing - especially at certain stages in their life. They do discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage" and they can generally be somewhat naughty, and it really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established. Aggressive behavior is especially common in "hormonal" amazons. Undisciplined amazons will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. They regard anything in your home as a "toy" that can be explored and chewed on; destroying items that you may hold dear or are simply valuable.
Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation.
Behavioral challenges that amazon present may include:
- Excessive Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined parrots will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach an amazon parrot what is fine to chew on and what is "off-limits."
- Biting & Hormonal Behavior:
Dominant Behavior: Amazon Parrots, as most parrots, are likely to discover their beaks as a method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage." It really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established.- Training is vital to stop this aggressive behavior.
Hormonal Aggression: Amazon parrots are also known for their "hormonal" aggression phase. This phase usually appears between the ages of 5 to 12 years. During this time there will be one to two years in which they are likely to be very aggressive. Fortunately, once they go through this, they generally settle down with little or no aggression shown outside the breeding season - with some aggression, but to a lesser degree, when they are in breeding condition.
Amazons going through that stage are difficult to handle for many but the most experienced amazon owners. Species such as Lilac Crowns and Mealies are less excitable than other amazon species during the breeding season. Females tend to be calmer than males during this phase. An attack by a hormonal male can be vicious and will not be limited to one bite.
Many bird owners are bewildered by the fact that their previously so cuddly pet suddenly turns on them - their primary caretakers. To add insult to injury, their pet may pick another family member as their favorite. Dr. Jill Patt describes this being similar to a wild bird leaving its parents and choosing a mate. She suggests the following ways of dealing with it:
- Understand that this is a natural behavior.
- Have the family member the bird has picked limit their interaction with your bird, spend time with the bird when that family member is absent, and ensure that only you are the one to provide all favorite treats and activities.
- The environment can also be altered somewhat to attempt to reduce breeding behavior. Limiting the daylight hours to mimic a winter sun will often help.
- In some instances, the vet may prescribe drugs that balance out a pet's hormones.
- Click here for more information on reducing hormonal behavior in birds.
- Calling / Voicing / Screaming: Not everybody can tolerate the natural loud call of an amazon, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching. Amazon parrots are excellent talkers though, and their natural loud call can be replaced with human speech with a little bit of training. Fortunately, they are quick learners.
Training and behavioral guidance will help your pet be the kind of companion you want it to be ...
- AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:
- Amazon General Information
- What Bird Fits Into My Lifestyle
- What Bird Fits Into My Lifestyle
- Procuring your Parrot
- Click here for Breeders of Amazon Parrots
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- Click here for Breeders of Amazon Parrots
- The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy
- Housing Your Bird
- Bird Nutrition ... Cuban Amazon Parrots love to eat all types of fruits and vegetables. Their diet in captivity may consist of sprouted seed/bean mix, broccoli crowns, apples, bananas, oranges, and a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables.
Sprouted or germinated seeds are usually more easily accepted by "seed addicts" than fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Sprouted seeds are healthier as the sprouting changes and enhances the nutritional quality and value of seeds and grains. Sprouted seeds are lower in fat, as the process of sprouting utilizes the fat in the seed to start the growing process - thus reducing the fat stored in the seeds.
- Sprouted seeds will help balance your bird’s diet by adding a nutritious supply of high in vegetable proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll.
- Soaked and germinated "oil" seeds, like niger and rape seeds, are rich in protein and carbohydrates; while "starch" seeds, such as canary and millets, are rich in carbohydrates, but lower in protein.
- It is in invaluable food at all times; however, it is especially important for breeding or molting birds. Sprouted seeds also serve as a great rearing and weaning food as the softened shell is easier to break by chicks and gets them used to the texture of seeds.
To learn more about the diet of the captive Amazon Parrot, please visit this webpage.
- Parrot Products
Breeding:
Their breeding cycle is seasonal. They will commence egg laying in the early spring and conclude egg laying by the onset of the summer heat.
Hens average 3 - 5 eggs a clutch which she incubates for 27 - 28 days. These amazons have been known to double-clutch given the right conditions.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Amazona leucocephala leucocephala ... English: Cuban Amazon ... Dutch: Cubaanse Amazone ... German: Kuba Amazone ... French: Amazone à tête blanche, Amazone de Cuba
CITES I - Protected Species
Sub-Species / Races Including Nominate: palmarum, leucocephala, bahamensis, caymanensis, hesterna
Distribution: Eastern and Central Cuba
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots ... Die Kuba-Amazone: Ein Zuchtbericht
Sub-species:
Distribution: Western Cuba and Nearby Isle of Pines
Species: Scientific: Amazona leucocephala palmarum ... English: Western Cuban Amazon ... Dutch: Palm Amazone ... German: Westlicher Kuba Amazone ... French: Amazone à tête blanche de Palmarum ... CITES I - Protected Species
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots (Please scroll down to no. 2)
Bahamas Amazon (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis):
Distribution: GreatInagu and Abaco Island in the Bahamas
Species: Scientific: Amazona leucocephala bahamensis ... English: Bahamas Amazon ... Dutch: Bahama Amazone ... German: Bahama Amazone ... French: Amazone de Bahama
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots (Please scroll down to no. 5 - click on link to view photo)
Cayman Brac Amazons / Cayman Parrots:
Distribution: Little Cayman and Cayman Brac Islands
Species: Scientific: Amazona leucocephala hesterna ... English: Cayman Brac Amazon ... Dutch: Cayman Brac Amazone ... German: Cayman Brac Amazone ... French: Amazone de Cayman Brac
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots (Please scroll down to no. 4)
Distribution: Grand Cayman Island Lex
Average Length: 32 cm / 12.8 in
Species: Scientific: Amazona leucocephala caymanensis ... English: Cayman Island Amazon ... Dutch: Cayman Amazone ... German: Cayman Amazone ... French: Amazone de Grand Cayman
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots (Please scroll down to no. 3)
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