The Puerto Rican amazon, also known as the Puerto Rican parrot or iguaca (Taíno), is the only extant parrot endemic to the archipelago and island of Puerto Rico. Measuring 28–30 cm (11.0–11.8 in), the bird is a predominantly green parrot with a red forehead and white rings around the eyes. Belonging to the Neotropical genus Amazona, its closest relatives are believed to be the Cuban amazon and the Hispaniolan amazon.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Historically widespread across Puerto Rico’s forests, it now persists in protected areas including El Yunque, the north-central karst forests around Río Abajo, and the Maricao highlands. It inhabits mature and secondary evergreen forests, especially where large cavity-bearing trees are present for nesting. Birds forage widely in the forest canopy and along edges, shifting locally with fruiting cycles. Reintroduction efforts have expanded its footprint beyond the historical refugium in El Yunque.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Puerto Rican parrot or iguaca, it is the only native parrot of Puerto Rico and among the rarest parrots in the world. The wild population fell to just 13 birds in 1975, but intensive conservation, captive breeding, and reintroductions have driven a steady recovery. Hurricanes have periodically set back numbers, yet multiple release sites now support growing wild flocks.
The Puerto Rican amazon in flight, showing distinctive blue feathers
Puerto Rican amazon historical range at left (in red) and current range at right (in green)
A pair of Puerto Rican amazons which usually mate for life
Newly hatched chick
The red-tailed hawk (B. j. jamaicensis), known as Guaraguao in Puerto Rico, is a natural predator of the Puerto Rican amazon.
Captive specimens at the Iguaca Aviary of El Yunque National Forest (2011). Located in the vicinity of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, this was the first facility of the reproduction program and currently serves as one of three specialized reserves.
Temperament
social and wary
Flight Pattern
direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; larger flocks form at communal roosts. Monogamous pairs nest in natural tree cavities or specially provided nest boxes, with both parents caring for young. They exhibit strong site fidelity to established roosting and nesting areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, rolling squawks and sharp screeches, the onomatopoeic 'iguaca' call carrying across forest valleys. They also exchange softer chatters and contact calls within pairs and small groups.
Plumage
Predominantly bright green with a compact, rounded body and sturdy, glossy feathers; blue-tinged flight feathers are visible in flight.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fruits, seeds, and berries from native trees and palms; also takes flowers, buds, and tender leaves. Diet shifts seasonally with fruiting cycles, and birds may travel between forest patches to exploit temporary food abundance. They crack hard seeds with a powerful bill and handle food deftly with their feet.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the upper to mid-canopy of mature evergreen forest, but also uses secondary growth and karst limestone forests. Edge habitats near fruiting trees and palms are frequently visited.
