The Lilac-Crowned Amazon

The Lilac-crowned Amazon (Amazona finschi), also known as Finsch’s Amazon, is a beautiful and intelligent parrot known for its striking plumage and engaging personality. Here are key details about this bird and how to care for it:
Description

Size: Lilac-crowned Amazons are medium-sized parrots, typically measuring about 33-35 cm (13-14 inches) in length.
Appearance: They have predominantly green plumage with a distinctive lilac-colored forehead and crown, red lores (the region between the eye and bill), and blue-green cheeks. The primary feathers are blue, and they have red patches on their wings.
Lifespan: With proper care, these birds can live 40 to 60 years in captivity.

Habitat

Distribution: Lilac-crowned Amazons are native to western Mexico, from southern Sonora and Chihuahua to northern Oaxaca.
Environment: They inhabit subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and montane forests. They are also found in degraded forests and cultivated areas.

Behavior

Social Structure: In the wild, they are often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are social birds that enjoy interaction with their flock or human caregivers.
Diet in the Wild: Their natural diet consists of a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and flowers.

Care in Captivity

Diet: A balanced diet is crucial. Provide a high-quality commercial pellet supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional seeds and nuts. Avoid feeding them toxic foods such as chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, avocado, and foods high in salt or sugar.
Housing: Lilac-crowned Amazons need a spacious cage, at least 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 36 inches high. Ensure the cage has strong bars and is equipped with multiple perches of varying sizes and textures.
Enrichment: These intelligent birds require mental and physical stimulation. Provide a variety of toys, including foraging toys, chew toys, and interactive toys. Rotate toys regularly to keep them engaged.
Social Interaction: Lilac-crowned Amazons thrive on social interaction and need regular interaction with their human caregivers. Provide daily out-of-cage time and ensure they receive plenty of attention and mental stimulation.
Training: Positive reinforcement training helps in managing their behavior and enhancing the bond with their owner. Use consistent, reward-based training sessions to teach commands and tricks.
Health Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial. Watch for signs of illness such as changes in appetite, droppings, or behavior. Maintain a clean living environment and ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Common Challenges

Noise: Like other Amazon parrots, Lilac-crowned Amazons can be quite vocal. They communicate with a variety of sounds, including squawks and whistles, and can be noisy, especially during dawn and dusk.
Chewing: They have a strong instinct to chew, so provide plenty of safe chewing materials to prevent them from damaging household items.
Social Needs: These birds require significant social interaction and can become bored and stressed if left alone for long periods.