Red-crowned amazon

 

Red-crowned Amazon Parrot can make wonderful pets for good owners. Also known as the Mexican red-headed parrot, it is intelligent, affectionate, and playful.

Some learn to be excellent speakers. These birds have a gentle temperament compared to other Amazons and will want more than just being around you and their human flock.

Common names
Red-crowned Amazon Parrot, Mexican red parrot, Red-crowned Amazon

Scientific name: Amazona viridigenalis

Origin and History

Northeastern Mexico is the natural habitat of the Red-crowned Amazon Parrot. They mainly live in the forests and lowland forests of the region.

Social animals, their flocks can number over 100 birds and you will know when you are nearby due to their loud calls in flight.

In the wild, the Red-crowned amazon Parrot species is an endangered species with between 3,000 and 6,000 remaining.

The decline in population is largely due to illegal trapping for the pet trade and habitat destruction.

They were, however, introduced to southern California, where growing herds are often seen in urban areas. Wild populations are also known to live in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico.

Although they appear smaller than some Amazon parrots, the Red-crowned amazon Parrot variety is about the same as most others. When mature, they can reach 13 inches in length from the beak to the tip of the tail feathers.

Red crowned amazon lifespan

This species has an incredibly long lifespan for its size. On average, they can live 60 to 70 years in captivity, so adopting one requires a lifetime commitment.

Temperament

Playful and gentle, hand-fed Red-crowned amazon Parrots are good pets who love to interact with everyone.

They are sweet and perfectly happy to spend time with their friends around the house. They can join you for a little while on TV and many like to dine at the table. Caresses are also welcome.

Some birds claim that these birds have a curiosity that makes them more prone to mischief than other Amazon species.

They are known to chew on electrical cords around the house, so positive supervision and distractions are needed when you step out of the cage.

While Red-crowned amazon Parrot is known to be comical birds and kind-hearted, some may go through a phase of hormonal bluffing during their teenage years.

This usually doesn’t last more than two years, although birds can get a bit finicky during this time. It will take patience on the part of the owner, but it will pass.

Red-crowned Amazon Parrot isn’t as independent or fierce as other Amazons, but they will have their moments.

Fortunately, they usually let you know when they want to be alone. Keep an eye out for the bird’s feathers and pupils to narrow its expression under the name “flaming eye.”

For vocalizations, you can expect a 10-minute call each morning and again at sunset. It’s in the nature of the bird and generally something you have to deal with.

Many green cheeks can become good talkers with consistent training, although healthy reproduction is their strong suit.

Be careful, some people may feel rude and the owners have occasionally reported a bit of chatter.

Red-crowned Amazon Parrots are predominantly dark green, with a bright red blaze extending over their beaks and foreheads.

There is a bright blue patch behind their eyes that trails below the neck of some people. The underside of the tail feathers is lime green to yellow, with a horn-colored beak and flesh-colored legs.

It is almost indistinguishable from males to females because it is a monomorphic species of bird.

If you can have two side by side, you might notice that a man is slightly taller and the red and blue spots on his face are larger. That said, the only way to guarantee the sex of the birds is through DNA or surgical sexing.

Caring for Red-crowned Amazon

Social interaction is necessary for any Amazon parrot, and cheekbones are no different. Birds that do not receive enough handling and affection can develop destructive behaviors and even become depressed.

This can lead to self-harm in the form of feather picking or other physical and emotional health problems.

All of this can be avoided as long as the owners of a Green-cheeked Amazon are committed to spending time with their bird. Unlike other pets, parrots need daily interaction that lasts at least a few hours.

This will not only keep the bird happy and healthy in captivity but also create a strong bond that will be personally rewarding for the owner and the bird.

As a medium-sized parrot, the green-cheeked player is going to require a substantial cage. They love to climb and should be given the opportunity to stretch their wings indoors.

The minimum size is 2 by 3 feet and 3 to 5 feet in height. The more space you have, the happier your bird will be.

Inside the cage, provide your bird with plenty of things to keep him occupied. Perches of varying heights, ladders, and a variety of toys are needed.

A bird bath or a mist will also keep the feathers from drying out and give them extra room to play. Everything in the cage should be cleaned regularly to prevent disease.

Also, remember that a parrot is not a cheap pet. They are exotic, but their needs are great and they deserve the best that you can give them.

Between housing, food, toys, vet bills, and everything that goes with adopting one, the cost can quickly increase.

To make sure this bird is suitable for your family, it is a good idea to visit it at a local breeder.

You will be able to observe and interact with the birds and learn about their personalities before making a final decision.

In fairness to the bird, all future owners really need to consider whether their lifestyle is right for this species.

Feeding the Red-crowned Amazon

Like all Amazon parrots, Green-cheeked Amazons eat best on a high-quality, granulated diet supplemented with a mix of seeds and daily servings of fresh, bird-safe fruits and vegetables. A fresh and varied diet will help your bird maintain optimal nutrition.

A habit rooted in the wild green cheek, these birds are notorious for wasting fresh food. They’ll pick a fruit, take a few bites, then drop it to the ground.

This can create a big mess in the cage, so owners will have to work with their birds. Cutting up fruits and vegetables and providing a varied and stimulating mix can help a lot.

Exercise
Amazon parrots are prone to gaining weight, so it’s important to give them the opportunity to exercise every day.

If you want a green-cheeked Amazon, you should be able to give her a minimum of three to four hours outside of her cage per day.

This will allow the bird to burn excess calories and stretch its muscles, in addition to providing essential mental stimulation.

Remember, these birds are very playful, so they will do best with lots of activities. Training is a fun way to interact with them, and their intelligence allows them to quickly learn to play fun tricks with birds, as well as mimicry and speech.

Outside of the cage, a play stand can allow your bird to enjoy family activities from a safe perch. It can also thwart nasty behavior, especially if it has more interesting toys than what’s going on around your house.

These birds love to chew as much as they love to climb. Placing toys at different heights in the cage and on the desk will give your bird plenty to explore.

Rotate toys regularly and replace those that become too worn. Having enough wood, leather, rope, bells, and other toys away from birds will ensure your bird will never be bored.