Lilac-crowned Amazon aka Finsch's Amazon
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The Lilac-crowned Amazon - also known as the Finsch's Amazon Parrot - is endemic to the Pacific slopes of Mexico.
Description:
Lilac-crowns are on the small side, compared to other Amazon parrots, averaging 12 to 13 inches from head to tail tip.
This amazon is characterized by green plumage, a maroon forehead, and violet-blue crown. Their coloring resembles that of the Red-crowned Parrot, though the Lilac-crowned Amazon is less vibrant.. They have a light grey / horn-colored beak and green-grey / blue-grey feet.
Personality / Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Lilac-crowned Amazons are considered good talkers; however, the quality isn't considered as good as some of the other Amazon species. Some may never learn to talk at all. They are gentle birds with a quiet demeanor, which makes them a better pet than other more aggressive amazons.
They make wonderful companions for the compatible bird owners, and are appreciated for their clowny personality. They enjoy water and should be provided with showers, about 1 a week. If they are not showered, they will do it for themselves in their water bowl, which can make quite a mess.
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: 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.
- 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
- Procuring your Parrot
- BREEDERS:
- Silver Cloud Aviary - http://www.silvercloudaviary.com
SW Michigan - Breeder of African Greys (TAG & CAG), Amazons (DYH, Mexican Red-Headed, Lilac- Crowned, Yellow-Naped), Cockatiels, Conures (Green Cheek (Pineapple, Cinnamon, Yellow-Sided, Turquoise and Normals) and Sun Conure), Eclectus (SI) and Rosellas (Stanley/Western) - Ship (weather permitting) - Recommended Breeders
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- Silver Cloud Aviary - http://www.silvercloudaviary.com
- BREEDERS:
- The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy
- Housing Your Bird - While breeders and pet shops may recommend a medium-sized cage for lilac-crowned amazons, a large cage is far better choice -- especially one with a play structure on the top, as lilac-crowned amazons are active and love to climb.
- Bird Nutrition ... In the wild, its natural diet consists of seeds, nuts, fruits and plant material. To learn more about the diet of the captive Amazon Parrot, please visit this webpage.
- Parrot Products
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Amazona finschi finschi ... English: Lilac-crowned Amazon, Lilac-crowned Amazon ... Dutch: Finsch' Amazone ... German: Blaukappenamazone ... French: Amazone de Finsch
CITES II - Endangered Species
Sub-Species: woodi, finschi
Sub-species:
Distribution: Mexico
Species: Scientific: Amazona finschi woodi ... English: Sonora Lilac-crowned Amazon ... Dutch: Sonora Blauwkapamazone ... German: Sonora Blaukappenamazone ... French: Amazone de Finschi-Woodi
CITES II - Endangered Species
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with the AvianWeb visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the AvianWeb Webmaster.
Photo contributions and articles are welcome!
