Tucumán Amazon Parrots
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The Tucumán Amazon (Amazona tucumana) is native to Northern Argentina in the provinces of Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy as well as Southeast Bolivia in provinces of Chuquisaca and Tarija.
They prefer forested areas between 3,400 and 7,300 ft; but may migrate to lower altitudes in autumn and winter (1,000 ft).
They are rare and endangered due to habitat destruction and trapping for the pet trade
Description:
The Tucuman Amazon averages 10 - 12.4 ins (25 - 31 cm) from head to tail. Its overall plumage is green and all feathers have a pronounced black edging, except for the wings. The forehead, front of crown and primary-coverts are red. The thighs are partly orange-yellow and the primaries are green with blue tips. The underside of the wings are olive-green, and the upperside of the tail is green with yellowish-greenish tips. The bill is light horn-colored.
Female as male, but with six red primary-coverts at most; usually less. Remainder of primary-coverts are green. Occasionally all primary-coverts are green.
Immatures as female with partly green primary-coverts. Their irises are dark brown.
Aviculture:
This is a medium-noisy parrot, which can be especially noisy in the morning and evenings. They are not hard chewers and enjoy being sprayed. They are active and like to fly. They don't become as confiding as other parrots towards their caretakers.
Even after acclimatization period, newly imported birds are not as hardy as other amazons.
They may be kept in a communal aviary outside the breeding season. However, during the breeding season, it is essential to separate breeding pairs from other birds, as they become very aggressive and territorial during this time.
Breeding is usually easily achieved. As far as nesting facilities are concerned, they like natural stumps with 12 ins. (30 cm) diameter, but will accept a nest box 12 x 12 x 20 ins (30 x 30 x 5 cm) with entrance hole of 4 ins (10 cm).
Breeding activities usually commence in early May. The hen lays 3 to 4 eggs, a relatively high percentage of which are infertile. The incubation time is 23 to 27 days and the young fledge after 50 to 55 days. The young continue to be fed for up to 10 weeks after leaving the nest. Both male and female raise the chicks.
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
- 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 ... Grooming
- Diet:
The natural diet of the Tucuman Amazon consists of seeds, fruits, berries, flowers and nuts.
Their captive diet should consist of:
- a seed mix of safflower, wheat, oats, canary grass seed and various millets, sprouted in spring and summer with sunflower
- plenty of vegetables and fruits, especially, apples, cucumbers, carrots, rose-hips, elder and rowanberries, half-ripe maize, and greenfood.
- regular mineral supplement\
- To learn more about the diet of the captive Amazon Parrot, please visit this webpage.
- Parrot Products
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific:Amazona tucumana aka Amazona pretrei tucumana ... English: Tucumán Amazon ... Dutch: Tucumán Amazone ... German: Tucumán Amazone ... French: Amazone de Tucumán
CITES I - Protected Species
Distribution: South-eastern Bolivia, Northern Argentina
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