Hispaniolan Amazon

Its plumage is green, and most feathers are edged with blue. It has a distinct white forehead and area around the eyes; some blue patches on cheeks and crown; a red patch under the chin; and black ear coverts. This amazon also has red feathers on its abdomen; blue wind coverts; green edging to the outer webs; yellowish green plumage under the tail; an upper-side green tail with yellow tips; red outer tail feathers at base; a horn coloured bill, and brown irises with pale feet. Its body length is about 28 cm long. An average adult weighs 250g (8.75 oz), and has a heavy and powerful beak; their bite has been noted to cut open skin and cut deep. Although a relatively common amazon, due to habitat loss, hunting, and trapping for aviculture, the wild population is declining sharply. Their ability to imitate human speech and intelligence makes them prime targets for the illegal pet trade. These amazons prefer to be either in small groups or pairs. They are noisy and cautious, spending the greater part of their days eating and resting in trees. When in flight, they have a very heavy wing beat, and are slow. They feed on fruits, berries, seeds, nuts, and possibly flowers, and constantly chatter while feeding. They have been known to cause damage to banana, guava, maize and cactus fruit crops.