- Amazona vittata
Identification
Puerto Rican Parrot is Critically Endangered.
This bird is green with a white eye ring; its forehead is red, and it has two-toned blue primaries.
The most problematic feature for identification is presence in Puerto Rico of several introduced parrot species. Among these, Red-crowned Parrot is probably the most similar species, with a larger red area in the head that covers much further back on the head, and with a red patch on the outer secondaries.
Distribution
Puerto Rico and formerly Culebra
Taxonomy
Currently monotypic after the subspecies on Culebra became extinct.
Habitat
Currently limited to the mountains around the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. Formerly in most forested areas of Puerto Rico and on nearby Culebra.
Behaviour
It is a herbivore eating flowers, fruits, leaves, bark and nectar obtained from the forest's canopy.
They nest in tree trunk cavities that cannot be made by themselves. Nest height varies from 7 to 15 meters above ground. No lining material is added to the nest.
The female lays 2-4 eggs that she incubates exclusively for a period of 24 to 28 days. The chicks are fed by both parents until they leave the nest around 60 to 65 days after they hatch. Nonetheless, they remain dependent on their parents and travel with them until the next breeding season.
External Links
The following link is the official site for the Puerto Rican Parrot recovery program Link