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Source: information mostly taken from the Calgary Parrot Club website,  http://calgaryparrotclub.parrotplaypen.com/parrot_research/Amazona%20Farinosa/ and modified.

Blue-crowned Amazon

= Amazona farinosa guatemalae, also known as Mealy Blue-crowned Amazon, Mealy Amazon, Guatemala Amazon

Description:

    predominantly green, prominent blue on forehead, crown, lores; beak dark, cere dark; edge of wing in all birds yellowish-green.

    Immature birds with paler blue and darker iris.

    big eyes

    Length: 38 cm (15-16 ins), wing length 221 - 248 mm (8.5 -9.5 ins)    

Distribution: 

    Native to Guatemala, Honduras

    found in Mexico from southern Veracruz and Oaxaca along Caribbean slopes south to Honduras.

    common, but rare in localities; generally not so numerous as other Amazon species.

Habitat: 

    rain forest, montane forest to 1,500 m (5,000 ft); partially cleared areas with scattered trees and mangroves; prefers forest edges.

Habits: 

    in pairs or groups of up to 20 birds outside breeding season; occasionally also larger flocks in feeding trees; occasional gatherings of several hundred birds on feeding trees; 

    mostly seen in early morning and late afternoon flying from and to roosting places; 

    occasionally associates with Orange-winged Amazons (Amazona amazonica), Natterer's Amazons (Amazona o. nattereri), Yellow-crowned Amazons (Amazona o. ochrocephala or Red-lored Amazons (Amazona autumnalis; 

    quiet when feeding; starts feeding earlier than other parrot species; 

    already foraging at 7.00 a.m; 

    gathers regularly on river banks to feed off mineral soil and to bathe in shallows; 

    groups then fly noisily from tree to tree; 

    migrates in localities between areas and altitudes; 

    flies mostly very high; flight with flat, rapid wing-beats; calls high-pitched or bell-like.

Diet: 

    Natural: Fruits (particularly figs), berries, nuts, flowers and buds foraged in tops of trees; probable daily intake of mineral soil.

    In capture: seed mix of safflower, wheat, oats, hemp, dried rowan-berries, buckwheat and mungo beans; sprouted sunflower seed; some pinenuts; various fruit and vegetables (particularly half-ripened maize); rose-hips; greenfood; regular mineral supplements.

Breeding behavior: 

    breeding season in South America from November to February, in Central America from April to June; 

    nests in hollows in trees or dead palm stumps; mostly 20 m (65ft) to 25 m (80ft) above ground; however in one case only 3 m (10ft) above ground; in Guatemala 60 cm (2ft) deep nest was found in stone wall of Mayan temple; all observed nests with 3 young; egg measures 37.7 x 29.0 mm (1.48 x 1.14 ins).

    Breeding in aviculture: often achieved; breeding begins in April; aggressive and noisy during breeding; clutch usually 2 to 3 eggs, exceptionally 4; eggs laid at three-day intervals; incubation 24 to 25 days; fledging period 60 to 65 days; during this period some males surprisingly nervous of keeper; young should not be separated from adults before 20 weeks.

General Behavior: 

    often very noisy; particularly in early morning and late afternoon; 

    soon gets used to keeper; 

    hardy and robust when acclimatized;

   hard chewer;

   enjoys bathing or being sprayed;

   raises nape feathers when excited;

   only compatible with other Amazons outside breeding period.

Accommodation:

   outside flight 4 x 1.5 x 2 m (12 x 4.5 x 6 ft) with adjoining shelter 1.5 x 1 x 2 m (4.5 x 3 x 6 ft);

   metal construction recommended;

   minimum temperature 5°C (41°F).