Red-topped / Red-browned Amazons
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Also refer to: Red-crowned Amazon Parrot (Amazona viridigenalis)
The Red-browed, Red-topped or Red-crowned Amazon Parrot (Amazona rhodocorytha) is endemic to Central-eastern Brazil; where it is locally distributed in small, isolated populations in Alagoas and from Bahia and eastern Minas Gerais south to Rio de Janiero. They inhabit humid lowland forests to montane forests (interior highlands to 3300 feet (~1 000 meters) to estuarine mangroves. Red-browed Amazons like to roost and feed in the tops of primary forest trees, and are usually seen in groups, occasionally even large flocks, intermingling with other parrot species, specifically the Orange-wing Amazons (A. amazonica).
Once a common parrot in its range, the Red-brow Amazon is now extinct across a large part of its natural range due to deforestation, human encroachment and trapping for the pet trade. What is left is so fragmented that some populations are now genetically isolated. Red-browed Amazons are now listed as CITES Appendix I. IUCN estimates a total Red-brow population in the wild of 250 mature individuals or less.
Efforts are underway to preserve this species for future generation through carefully-managed captive breeding programs. Since the Red-topped Amazon is one of the most endangered of all neotropical parrots, it may survive only in aviculture. The importance of captive breeding cannot be over-estimated. Unfortunately, captive numbers are not large and the gene pool is limited. Many of the captive birds are closely related.
Description:
The Red-browed Amazon is among the largest of Amazon parrots, adults averaging ~ 13.8 - 15.7 inches (~35 - 40 cm) in length and 13.2 - 22.9 oz (375 - 650 g) in weight - with males usually being heavier.
The most distinctive feature of the species is the red forehead and crown, which fades toward the nape to a reddish-purple tinged with blue. The lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird's head) are yellow-orange with cheeks and neck blue. They have a horn-colored upper beak that becomes pink at the base, orange-brown irises and grey legs. Their eyes are large and visually appealing.
Sexing: Males and females look alike. Although the yellow lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird's head) may extend downward on to the throat in females, whereas in males the lower part of the lores is blue. There are exceptions and the only way to guarantee the gender is to DNA sex individual birds that are placed into a breeding program.
Young birds look like adults, but the hindcrown becomes washed with green. The occiput to the back of neck is green. The feathers are edged black and the lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird's head) are yellow. The ear coverts (feathers covering the ears) to forecheeks and throat are blue. There is a little red on the bases of the two outermost secondary feathers and a little red on the side tail feathers. The bill is pale pink tipped with grey/white and the eyes are brown.
Breeding / Nesting:
During the breeding season, the pairs defend their nesting sites, which are typically naturally occurring tree cavities. The average clutch size consists of 4 eggs which are incubated for about 24 days. Nesting amazons remain as isolated pairs until their young are fully fledged. Nest site loyalty is common in Amazon parrots, and breeding pairs and young often return to the same nest trees where they were raised.
Red-topped Amazon Parrots in Captivity / Care, Personality, Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Due to its critically endangered status, it really is highly recommended that any captive specimen be placed into a well-managed breeding program. Should, for some reason, an individual bird not be eligible for breeding and you are considering it as a pet or for your aviary; please consider the following.
All amazon parrots can be aggressive but, like the Mealy, the Red-topped Amazon gives the impression of a gentle giant and is not a naturally aggressive species. They are inclined to obesity so dietary fat must be kept to a minimum and large flights are recommended.
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: Red-topped amazon parrots have varied calls, usually raucous and continuous. 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:
- Recommended Breeders
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- BREEDERS:
- The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy
- Housing Your Bird
- Bird Nutrition ... In the wild, Red-browed Amazons consume fruit, seeds, berries and buds taken primarily from forest treetops. They are inclined to obesity so dietary fat must be kept to a minimum and large flights are recommended. To learn more about the diet of the captive Amazon Parrot, please visit this webpage.
- Parrot Products
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Amazona rhodocorytha aka Amazona dufresniana rhodocorytha ... English: Red-topped Amazon, Red-crowned Amazon, Red-capped Amazon ... Dutch: Roodkruinamazone, Goudmaskeramazone ... German: Granada Amazone, Rotscheitelamazone ... French: Amazone de rhodocorytha
CITES I - Protected Species
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