Ecuador Amazon parrot | Chester Zoo animals

About

Very little is known about this beautifully colourful species of parrot and they’re known to be one of the rarest birds in the world.

Ecuadorian Amazon parrots were previously thought to be a sub-species of a common Amazon parrot so were offered very little protection.

In 2014, as a result of our research, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) awarded them full species status. They gained protection and became a conservation priority, as there’s possibly fewer than 600 individuals left in the wild.

Facts about Ecuador Amazon parrots

SPECIES

I am a bird

As a result of the zoo’s research work, we were awarded full species status in 2014.

FOUND IN

South America

They are native to western Ecuador.

HABITAT

Dry forests

These birds live within a small range, fragmented into six main areas.

DIET

Herbivore

They mostly eat fruit, seeds, nuts and berries.

BEHAVIOUR

Gentle and social

These parrots are known for their gentle, affectionate nature, which has sadly made it a sought-after cage bird. While they are non-confrontational and prefer to hide than fight, they can be a noisy bunch, living in small to medium groups, most often flying in pairs.

AVERAGE SIZE

Around 34cm long

They’re primarily green in colour, but have lilac-tipped feathers on their crown.

LIFE SPAN

20 - 30 years

Although with human care, they can live up to 60 years.

ZOO LOCATION

TBC

IUCN red list statusCritically Endangered

Threats facing Ecuador Amazon parrots

We’ve helped classify the Ecuadorian Amazon parrot as a full species. We’re working to protect them both in the wild and at the zoo and we’ll continue working to protect them.

We send expeditions every few years to survey and monitor their habitats and populations supported by Ecuadorian forest protection NGO Fundación Pro-Bosque.

Together we’re helping local people understand the importance of protecting these parrots by not keeping them as pets. With their help we’ll continue studying these species in the wild and at the zoo.

Human intervention

Hunting or collection

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