Puerto Rican Amazon

Amazona vittata Puerto Rico • Critically Endangered

IUCN Status

Critically Endangered

The Puerto Rican Amazon (Amazona vittata), also known as the Puerto Rican Parrot or “Iguaca”, is a rare and beautiful Amazon parrot endemic to Puerto Rico. It features bright green plumage with a distinctive red forehead, white eye-rings, and blue wing edges. Known for its intelligent, social, and vocal nature, this species is a symbol of Puerto Rican conservation efforts. Due to severe habitat loss and historical trapping, it is one of the most endangered birds in the world, with intensive captive breeding programs helping to prevent extinction.

General Description

Common Name	Puerto Rican Amazon (Iguaca)
Latin Name	Amazona vittata
Family	Psittacidae • Amazon Parrots
Adult Size	28–30 cm (11–12 in)
Weight	250–350 g
Life Span	40–60+ years in captivity
Sexual Maturity	4–6 years
Clutch Size	2–4 eggs
Gender Difference	Minimal visual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger; DNA testing is recommended.
Natural Habitat	Montane and lowland rainforests, especially in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico.
Origin / Range	Endemic to the island of Puerto Rico (with small introduced populations in the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Care Level	Advanced • Requires experienced keeper and large aviary

Amazona vittata • Adult showing red forehead and green plumage

PUERTO RICAN AMAZON • RARE CARIBBEAN ICON

Plumage & Features

The Puerto Rican Amazon is predominantly bright green with a distinctive red forehead and crown, white eye-rings, and blue wing edges. The tail has a broad red band with blue and green edges. It is noticeably smaller and more slender than many other Amazon species.

Juveniles have less red on the forehead and duller overall coloration. This species is known for its strong pair bonds and relatively quiet demeanor compared to larger, more boisterous Amazons.

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix I

Amazona Genus

Puerto Rico (Caribbean)

Puerto Rican Amazon / Iguaca