Puerto Rican amazon

The Puerto Rican Amazon: A Jewel on the Brink of Extinction

The Puerto Rican amazon (Amazona vittata), also known as the Puerto Rican parrot or by its Taíno name, iguaca, is the sole parrot species endemic to the archipelago of Puerto Rico. This striking bird is predominantly green, easily identifiable by its vivid red forehead and distinctive white rings encircling its eyes. Belonging to the genus Amazona, its closest relatives are believed to be the Cuban amazon and the Hispaniolan amazon.

Description and Biology

Measuring approximately 28 to 30 cm in length and weighing between 250 and 300 grams, the Puerto Rican amazon is similar in size to other Greater Antillean amazons. Unlike many parrot species, there is no sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females appear physically identical. Both sexes share the predominantly green plumage, accented with blue on the flight feathers and tail, and the characteristic red forehead and white eye rings. Distinguishing between males and females relies solely on behavioral differences observed during the breeding season.

These parrots reach sexual maturity between three and four years of age and typically form lifelong pair bonds. They are secondary cavity nesters, preferring the hollows of mature trees, particularly Palo colorado trees, for nesting. The breeding season occurs annually between January and July, during which the female lays two to four eggs. She incubates the eggs exclusively for 24 to 28 days, while the male provides food. The chicks hatch and are fed by both parents, fledging approximately 60 to 65 days after hatching, remaining dependent on their parents until the following breeding season.

Diet and Behavior

The diet of the Puerto Rican amazon is herbivorous, consisting of a wide array of forest canopy resources. They consume flowers, fruits, leaves, bark, and nectar from over 60 different plant species. They are diurnal birds, often starting their day shortly after sunrise. While generally secretive when nesting, they can be quite vocal and noisy when outside their nests. Their flight is moderately fast and agile, enabling them to evade predators. During foraging, they tend to group in pairs, and couples with their fledged young often stay together.

Distribution and Decline

Historically, the Puerto Rican amazon was widespread and abundant throughout Puerto Rico and potentially other nearby islands. However, significant population declines began in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to extensive habitat destruction caused by agricultural development, road construction, and hydroelectric projects. The clearing of virgin forests led to the loss of their natural habitat and food sources, causing them to be viewed as pests by farmers. Consequently, their range has drastically reduced, with the species vanishing from islands like Vieques and Mona.

Conservation Status and Efforts

The Puerto Rican amazon is currently listed as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) since 1994. By the 1950s, wild populations had dwindled to an estimated 200 individuals, reaching a low of just 13 in 1975. Natural disasters, such as Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane María in 2017, have also taken a severe toll on the already fragile population. Since 1968, extensive recovery efforts have been implemented, including captive breeding programs initiated in the 1970s and subsequent reintroductions into protected areas. Despite facing numerous threats, including predation by native and introduced species and competition for nesting sites, these conservation initiatives aim to re-establish viable wild populations and secure the future of this unique island parrot.