The Hispaniolan parrot, also known as Hispaniolan amazon, is a species of psittaciform bird of the family Psittacidae endemic to Hispaniola, which includes the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Its white forehead, light beak, white eye-ring, blue ear patch, and maroon belly patch are the main features that differentiate it from other amazons. Its body measures about 28 centimeters in length. A typical adult weighs 250g (8.75 oz).
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs across Hispaniola in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti, using a mosaic of habitats from lowland dry forest to humid broadleaf and highland pine forest. It favors mature forests with large cavity-bearing trees but also forages along forest edges, agricultural areas, and plantations. Communal roosts are typically in tall emergent trees, sometimes near water. Local abundance varies with availability of fruiting trees and nesting cavities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Endemic to the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), this amazon is threatened by habitat loss and capture for the pet trade. It nests in tree cavities, often in Hispaniolan pines, and roosts communally outside the breeding season. Its maroon belly patch and white forehead make it one of the most distinctive Caribbean amazons.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small flocks; forms larger communal roosts outside the breeding season. Breeds in cavities of large trees, where pairs are territorial around nest sites. Breeding typically occurs in the late dry to early wet season when food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, rolling squawks and piercing contact calls that carry over long distances. At roosts and feeding sites it adds chatter and nasal yaps; captive birds can mimic human speech to a degree.
Plumage
Mostly green with dark-edged feathers giving a scalloped look; white forehead and face; blue ear patch; conspicuous maroon patch on the lower belly.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits, seeds, and berries from native and cultivated trees, including palm fruits, figs, and seasonal forest crops. It also takes buds and flowers and may occasionally raid agricultural orchards or maize fields. Diet shifts seasonally to follow fruiting cycles, and birds may travel between patches to exploit temporary food bonanzas.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the canopy and upper midstory of mature forest and along edges. Will also use shade-grown plantations and trees in rural landscapes when native fruits are available.
