Khulna Agricultural University

Faculty: Veterinary, Animal & Biomedical Sciences

Level-02 Semester-01
Dept: Livestock production & Management
Course code: LPM 2101
Course Title: Zoo& Laboratory Animal Management
Credit:02
An Assignment on Parrot (Lilacine Amazon)

Submitted To
Dr. Mustasim Famous
(Lecturer,Department Of LPM)

Submitted By
Md. Waheduzzaman
Id: 1901028
 Parrot – Lilacine Amazon
The lilacine amazon (Amazona lilacina) is an
amazon parrot native to Ecuador in South
America. The lilacine amazon is generally
smaller than its related species, with a black
beak and more subdued coloring.

Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Amazona
Species: A. lilacina

Common name(s): Ecuadorian Amazon, Lilacine Amazon, Red-lored Amazon

Natural Habit
The lilacine amazon is known for its gentle and timid nature. In the wild it avoids
confrontation with intruders, opting to seek cover in nearby foliage until danger
has passed. It usually spends time in small- to medium-sized groups, with which it
roosts at night; many birds pair off monogamously within the larger group, and
they are most frequently seen flying in pairs.

Destribution
Lilacine Amazon parrots are endemic to the coastal
forests of central and south Ecuador.
Locations occupied by the species have a presence of
both mangrove and dry tropical forest; close enough
together for the birds to fly daily between the two
habitats.
Habitat
Lilacine Amazon parrots roost communally in mangrove forests, flying at dawn to
dry forest feeding grounds where they remain throughout the day, foraging in
small groups. At dusk, they re-group in the edges of the dry forest, flying back to
communal roosts in the mangroves as the sun goes down.

Special Characteristics
Its unique characteristics are lilac-tipped feathers that give its crown a bluish-
purple wash, and an all-dark beak.

Housing
Birds in captivity can be held in cages, aviaries, and outdoor pens. Depending on
the species, one or another might be more appropriate, and the maintenance of
each differs. The size, shape, and design of the enclosure shall be appropriate for
the species being housed and allow space, without overcrowding, for the normal
movements of each bird.
RECOMMENDATIONS:

 Aviary mesh should be a no more than 1.5 cm² or 1.5 cm by 2.5 cm of 16

gauge non galvanised wire.
 Wood should be protected from chewing, or not used at all.
 Indoor areas should have concrete floors with good drainage, covered with
wood shavings, or sand.
 Outside areas may be of sand, bark chippings or grass.
 Enclosures must ensure that predators such as mustelids and rats cannot
dig their way in and strict vermin control measures are required.
 Perches should wood of various thickness or hemp rope and should not be
positioned over food or water containers. At least one perch should be
firmly fixed so as not to swing.
 A shady, sheltered area within the enclosure is important.
 Food dishes should be constructed of non-porous ceramic or stainless steel.
 Fresh water should always be available.
  Dropped food and faeces should be picked up daily.
 It should be possible to enter each aviary individually without having to
pass through the neighbouring one.
 A safety porch is essential.
 The inside area should be well lit and with the ability to be heated if
necessary.
 A nest box containing a layer of wood shavings should be provided.
 The minimum size of the aviary should be; height 3 m, width 2 m and
length 6 m.

Perches

Perches need to be placed at the ends of an aviary to allow for maximum

exercise/flight opportunities. If there are too many perches throughout the aviary
birds may become lazy and use these to climb around, rather than fly around the
aviary.

Nest Boxes

Lilacine Amazon parrots are cavity nesters in the wild, usually taking over a
woodpecker nest and enlarging it. In captivity they will use a nest box. This should
be constructed of plywood that has been treated with a non-toxic wood
preserver, large wood plates and hollowed out logs have also been used.

The nest box should be hung in a shady area in the outside part of the enclosure.
There are many different shapes and sizes of nest box which are successful, there
are though a few factors which most of the successful ones have in common;
amazon parrots seem to prefer boxes which have a dark interior, this can be
achieved by having a long deep box or by having a tunnel leading into the nest
chamber.

A small entrance hole is also preferable with a diameter of 10 cm, positioned so

that direct sunlight doesn’t enter the nest.
Feeding
Diets for Lilacine Amazon parrot species vary depending on factors such as
distribution in the wild, seasonal availability of feed items and body size. Parrots
in general, and Amazons in particular, are highly intelligent animals that require a
great deal of stimulation in captivity. For this reason, diets tend to be very
diverse, offering a variety of colours, shapes and textures as one mechanism for
providing environmental enrichment.
The diet of the lilacine amazon consists primarily of fruits, nuts, berries, and
seeds. Like most parrots, it possesses a powerful beak; its dexterous tongue also
helps to break down and consume a diverse suite of foodstuffs.

As a general rule, daily energy requirements for captive animals are calculated as
2 x BMR (assuming moderate activity).

For Lilacine Amazon parrots 2 x BMR = 300 kJ

From food tables [McCance & Widdowson 1991], 300 kJ of energy could be
supplied just consuming one of the food items in the quantity described below:
Food Item Quantity
Banana (medium sized, flesh only) 70 g
Brazil nuts (2 whole) 30g
Sunflower seeds (small handful) 12.5 g

In addition to the energy requirements described above, ideally the diet must
satisfy the following nutrient requirements. These are provided as a guide only
and are ranges for Psittacines, based on National Research Council requirements
for domestic fowl and diet nutrient amounts that have been successfully used in
zoos.
% IU/kg
Protein Fat Ca P Vit A Vit D Vit E
12 - 22 1 0.6 - 2.75 0.4 - 0.6 1500 - 4000 200 - 500 10 - 25
Breeding Management

In captivity 91% of eggs hatch between April and June, with 45% of those in June.

Sexual Behaviour

During the breeding season Lilacine Amazon parrots separate from their flocks to
find suitable cavities in the trunks of large tree in which to nest. They will
generally use hollow trees or palms, often modifying disused woodpecker nests.

Mating

Courtship and mating usually occurs during the months of April, May, June, and
July and consists of tail flaring and eye blazing / eye pinning with general
excitement and extra activity.

Age of Sexual Maturity

There is no information on age of sexual maturity in wild birds but in captivity the
majority of birds are sexually mature by 3 years, with breeding generally starting
between 3 - 6 years on average.

Feeding During Pregnancy

The higher protein value would be a requirement for females laying eggs or
rearing chicks. Using the mineral quantities described, the Ca: P ratio should be at
least 1:1, but 2:1 is preferred, particularly for egg production.

To achieve this, ideally the diet should comprise:

1st (main) feed % 2nd (enrichment) feed %
Pellets 25 Fruit* 20
Pulses* 30 Seeds* 5
Vegetables* 20

Incubation Period : There is no information on this for wild birds. In captivity

normal incubation period is from 26 to 28 days. Records from captive birds
confirm that incubation is performed by the female alone.