Fun Hispaniolan Amazon Facts For Kids
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Also, known as the Hispaniolan parrot, the Hispaniolan Amazon (Amazona ventralis) is a species of Amazon parrot in the Psittacidae family. The species is endemic to Hispaniola. Its range includes the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and it was also brought to Puerto Rico. They were also spotted on some offshore islands such as Gonave Island.
The plumage of Hispaniolan Amazons is generally green, while most feathers are edged with a blue color. Blue patches on the crown and cheeks can be seen, and the ear coverts are black, while the bird also possesses a red patch under the chin.
These birds also have red feathers on their abdomen, blue wing coverts, and a tail with a yellowish-green plumage. The average weight and length of the species are 0.55 lb (250 g) and 11 in (28 cm), respectively.
These birds generally inhabit tropical dry forests, slightly wet lowland forests, and tropical montane plantations, and they primarily create their nests in tree cavities. They are known for damaging maize, banana, guava, and cactus fruit crops.
The IUCN has listed these birds in the Vulnerable category. Habitat loss, hunting, and trapping are the main reasons for their declining population.
Over recent years, people have been capturing these birds from their natural habitat illegally for the pet trade industry, and they often capture young birds from tree cavities. Human actions have sadly made the species vulnerable and the population of the species sits at around 10,000-19,000 in the wild as of now.
Let's read more interesting facts about the Hispaniolan Amazon, and if you found this article insightful, don't forget to check out exciting facts about different animals like the cockatoo and the blue jay.
Hispaniolan Amazon Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a Hispaniolan Amazon?
This Hispaniolan parrot (scientific name: Amazona ventralis) is an endemic species to Hispaniola that is found primarily in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is also found in Puerto Rico. The species is known as the Hispaniolan Amazon.
What class of animal does a Hispaniolan Amazon belong to?
Hispaniolan Amazons belong to the class of Aves, the family of Psittacidae, and the Amazona genus. The term 'cuca' is generally used as a name for these birds.
How many Hispaniolan Amazons are there in the world?
The population of Hispaniolan Amazons is approximately between 10,000-19,000 birds in the wild. Some reasons for their declining population are a loss of habitat, hunting, and the trapping of birds. Some people capture these birds to tame them in captivity.
Where does a Hispaniolan Amazon live?
These Hispaniolan parrots are native to Hispaniola and their range includes the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. They were also spotted on some offshore islands such as Gonave Island.
What is a Hispaniolan Amazon's habitat?
Hispaniolan Amazons generally inhabit tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, tropical moist montane forests, and plantations, and they primarily create their nests in tree cavities. They are known for damaging maize, banana, guava, and cactus fruit crops.
Who do Hispaniolan Amazons live with?
Like other species of parrots, these Hispaniolan parrots are found in small groups and pairs. During the breeding season, these parrots are found in pairs.
How long does a Hispaniolan Amazon live?
The life expectancy of these Hispaniolan parrots is not known at the moment, but similar parrots generally live up to 50-60 years. Also, their life span generally decreases in captivity, where the risk of obesity is higher.
How do they reproduce?
The breeding season of these parrots generally occurs from April to August in the wild, and these birds are quite difficult to breed in captivity. These Amazons generally nest in tree hollows excavated by woodpeckers in dead trees. Female Amazons generally lay two to four eggs and incubate them for around 25-29 days.
Their chicks fledge in 10-12 weeks. In captivity, these birds generally required isolated space for breeding, making it difficult. This is also a reason for their population decline.
What is their conservation status?
The IUCN has listed these birds in the Vulnerable category. Habitat loss, hunting, and trapping are the main reasons for their declining population.
Over recent years, people have been capturing these birds from their natural habitat illegally for the pet trade industry, and they often take young birds from tree hollows. Human actions have unfortunately made the species vulnerable and the population of the species sits at around 10,000-19,000 in the wild as of now. They are not endangered yet, luckily.
Hispaniolan Amazon Fun Facts
What do Hispaniolan Amazons look like?
The plumage of Hispaniolan Amazons is generally green, while most feathers are edged with a blue color. Blue patches on the crown and cheeks can be seen, the ear coverts are black, and the bird also possesses a red patch under the chin.
These birds also have red feathers on their abdomen, blue wing coverts, and a tail with a yellowish-green plumage.
How cute are they?
The green Hispaniolan Amazon wings are the most fascinating feature of this species. Anyone would love to see these birds feed on seeds and fruits, and their chicks are also very cute!
How do they communicate?
Like other birds, Hispaniolan Amazons have similar methods of communication. These birds possess several alarm calls and songs that are used to find mates and group members. During the breeding season, they emit loud noises and may perform multiple courtship displays including body movements, such as waving their tail.
How big is a Hispaniolan Amazon?
While talking about the average Hispaniolan Amazon size, its average weight and length are around 0.55 lb (250 g) and 11 in (28 cm), respectively. These Amazons are quite a bit bigger than Meyer's parrot and the Senegal parrot.
How fast can a Hispaniolan Amazon fly?
The speed of this Hispaniolan parrot (Amazona ventralis) is unknown, but this bird becomes quite active while foraging and feeding on seeds. Related species such as Amazon parrots can reach the speed of 40-50 mph (64-81 kph)!
How much does a Hispaniolan Amazon weigh?
The average weight of Hispaniolan Amazons is around 0.55 lb (250 g).
What are their male and female names of the species?
No particular names have been given to male and female Hispaniolan Amazons. These birds require isolated spaces during the breeding season. Females lay two to four eggs and the incubation of these eggs lasts for around 30 days.
What would you call a baby Hispaniolan Amazon?
The term chick is generally used to refer to a baby Hispaniolan Amazon.
What do they eat?
These birds are herbivores and they primarily feed on seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, and flowers. They are commonly known for damaging maize, banana, guava, and cactus fruit crops in the wild. These birds are often preyed upon by bats, reptiles, and wild cats.
Are they dangerous?
Generally, these birds are not considered dangerous, but they possess a sharp beak and their bite is able to make a deep cut in the skin. It is important not to provoke or threaten these birds.
Would they make a good pet?
These birds are considered quite hard to tame, but once they are accustomed to being kept as pets, it then becomes really hard for them to survive in the wild. Also, their life span generally remains low in captivity as obesity becomes a big risk for birds kept in captivity.
If you own a Hispaniolan Amazon, don't forget to feed it nutritious and healthy food; fresh fruits and vegetables are the best options. A quarter of a cup of pellets and a quarter of a cup of fruits and vegetables should be provided daily.
Please adhere to any local laws and regulations regarding adopting any animals.
Did you know...
The Hispaniolan parrot is known for its speaking ability!
How do you identify a Hispaniolan Amazon?
Unlike other Amazons, the Hispaniolan Amazon has a white forehead, a pale beak, and a red belly.
How did Hispaniolan Amazons get their name?
The scientific name 'ventralis' generally means 'abdomen', hence, this Hispaniolan Amazon parrot gets its name from its red belly.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our hyacinth macaw facts and mealy parrot facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Hispaniolan amazon coloring pages.
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