Red-crowned Amazon Parrot: Care, Health & Breeding Guide

The Red-crowned Amazon (Amazona viridigenalis), also called the Green-cheeked Amazon or Mexican Red-headed Parrot, is an endangered parrot species native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. Feral populations also thrive in parts of the US like California and Florida, adapting well to urban areas. The wild population is estimated to be between 1000 and 2000 individuals, facing serious threats from illegal bird trade and habitat loss.

This vibrant bird measures around 13 inches in length and can live up to 60 years in captivity with proper care. Its mainly green plumage is marked by a bright red forehead and beak area, with striking blue feathers behind the eyes. The undersides of the tail feathers display lime green or yellow hues, complemented by horn-coloured beaks and legs.

How to Keep a Red-crowned Amazon Parrot

Compared to other Amazon parrots, the Red-crowned Amazon is generally more amenable and less feisty, though it remains assertive during breeding season. Watch for signs such as dilated pupils, known as the ‘blazing eye’, head lowering, and fanned tail feathers, which indicate the bird wants to be left alone.

Hand-reared parrots can bond deeply with their human caregivers, considering them as part of their flock. They love gentle petting on the head and face and often seek interaction like joining family mealtimes or sitting with you during TV time to feel involved.

These parrots are very curious and explore their environment with their beaks, so ensure that the bird's play area outside the cage is safe and free from objects that might be harmful or precious, such as important documents or electrical cords. They enjoy gnawing, so appropriate toys should be provided.

Housing Requirements

Provide a spacious cage at least 2 by 3 feet wide and 5 feet tall, ideally with a playpen top for exercise. Use a variety of perch sizes and textures to promote healthy feet, including some that help naturally file nails. Regular access to water for bathing or useful mist spraying helps maintain good feather condition.

Keep the cage in a quiet, draft-free area for sleeping to ensure your parrot gets enough rest, away from household bustle. Amazons tolerate a range of temperatures but should be shielded from drafts or extreme changes.

Health Considerations

Like all parrots, the Red-crowned Amazon is vulnerable to certain illnesses including psittacosis (parrot fever), bacterial or fungal infections, and behavioural problems such as feather picking - often resulting from boredom or nutritional deficiencies.

Knowing your bird well is key to spotting illness early. Watch out for signs like lethargy, sagging posture, wing drooping, ruffled feathers, changes in appetite, breathing difficulties, or unusual swellings. Contact an avian vet promptly if concerning symptoms appear.

Feeding Your Red-crowned Amazon

In the wild, they eat a variety of fruits, berries, seeds, nuts, blossoms and buds. Captive diets should balance pellets with seeds, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables to prevent obesity, a common problem in Amazons.

Vitamin A and calcium are particularly important. Foods high in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes and leafy greens, while calcium may be supplemented with cuttlebone or liquid calcium added to drinking water. Treats like a small amount of honey or peanut butter can be offered occasionally. Cooked pasta or grains might interest your bird, but always ensure these are cool and served in moderation.

Breeding Information

The Red-crowned Amazon reaches sexual maturity around five years of age. As visual sexing is unreliable, DNA testing is recommended to determine genders accurately.

Suitable nest boxes should be approximately 31-39 inches tall, with inner dimensions between 12-14 inches and an entrance hole 4-5 inches wide. Soft bedding is placed at the base. Females typically lay 2-4 eggs which incubate for around 29 days. The chicks generally fledge at about nine weeks old.

Conclusion

The Red-crowned Amazon Parrot is not ideal for first-time parrot owners due to its long lifespan and specific care needs. However, with commitment, it makes an affectionate, intelligent, and highly interactive companion. Responsible ownership and understanding the species’ natural history help ensure a rewarding relationship for many years.