A medium-sized parrot with a plumage that is a brilliant mix of colors, including green, blue, red, and yellow. The head is primarily green with blue feathers around the eyes and crown, while the wings are green with bright blue primary feathers. The chest and abdomen are a mix of red and green, creating a striking contrast. The tail feathers are green with blue tips and a yellow band near the base. This colorful plumage makes the Saint Lucia Amazon one of the most visually stunning parrots in the Caribbean.

These parrots inhabit the island’s dense, humid montane rainforests, primarily in the central and southwestern parts of Saint Lucia. They prefer the canopy layer of the forest, where they can find abundant food and nesting sites. The Saint Lucia Amazon is arboreal, spending most of its time in the trees, where its bright colors can sometimes make it surprisingly difficult to spot among the foliage. They are particularly fond of the fruits of the native gommier tree and other tropical fruits. These parrots play a crucial role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers. By consuming fruits and excreting the seeds in different locations, they help promote the growth and regeneration of various plant species within their habitat.

Despite its importance and beauty, the Saint Lucia Amazon faces significant threats from habitat loss, natural disasters, and illegal poaching. Hurricanes, in particular, pose a severe threat to their habitat, causing widespread destruction of the forests they depend on. Additionally, deforestation for agriculture and development has led to the loss of critical nesting and feeding sites.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Saint Lucia

1,750-2,250

Official estimate

VU

2020