Smallest species of Amazon parrot

Amazon parrots from South America, Mexico and the Caribbean islands are very popular pets. Almost 30 species are currently recognized. The smallest of these is the black-billed amazon Amazona agilis, which is just 25 cm long. Native to mountainous rainforests in the centre of the island of Jamaica, this was once a common species but its numbers have fallen in recent times owing to deforestation, specimen collection for the pet trade, and poaching for food, and it is now categorized as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Amazons are very popular as pets because of their skill in imitating human speech and other sounds, making them amusing and entertaining as well as good companions.

Originally known as green parrots on account of their predominant plumage colouration, they were first called amazons by Dr Dari Russ during the late 1800s in various of his books on popular pet birds.