CUBAN PSITTACIFORMES - Parrots, Parakeets

Parrots have thick, hooked bills; zygodactyl feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward; and muscular tongues. The upper mandible of their bill is hinged to their skull and their lower mandible fits under the upper mandible. Their hinged mandible and muscular tongue allow them to easily move food around in their mouths!

Most species eat seeds and fruits, but some species also eat insects. They are found in South America, Central America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. Most species live in forests in pairs or small groups.

There are two species of parrot found in Cuba, the Cuban Amazon and the Cuban parakeet.

The Cuban Amazon (Amazona leucocephala) is also known as the Cuban parrot or the rose-throated parrot. It was once found across much of the the Caribbean, but it is now possibly extinct in much of its range. It is around 11-13 inches in length and it green with a rosy pink throat and upper chest, a white face and pink legs. It is listed as a near threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

The Cuban parakeet (Aratinga euops) is only found in Cuba. It was once found across most of Cuba, but is now limited to a few areas. It is green with a scattering of red feathers on its head, sides, and belly. The undersides of its wings are also red. It is listed as a vulnerable species by the IIUCN. It is threatened by loss of habitat and the illegal pet trade.

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CUBAN PSITTACIFORMES - Parrots, Parakeets

Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Critically Endangered Extinct in the Wild Extinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in NH Introduced Breeds in NH (Birds)
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

Location
Africa Asia Australia/Oceania Europe North America South America NH Click for More Info Click for Image

Species	Sounds	Occurrence
Cuban Amazon - Amazona leucocephala		Year-round
	Audio Credit: xeno-canto.org Laura Gooch
Cuban Parakeet - Aratinga euops		Endemic
	Audio Credit: xeno-canto.org Brian Cox

Additional Information

Key: Profile Photos Video Audio

Cuban Amazon - Amazona leucocephala
The Cuban Amazon is threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Cuban Parakeet - Aratinga euops
The Cuban parakeet is also known as the Cuban conure.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School