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Hispaniolan Parrot (Amazona ventralis)

Other name in English: Hispaniolan Amazon

Names in Spanish: Cotorra, Cotorra de la Hispaniola, Cotorra de la Española, Cotorra Dominicana

Names in Creôle (Haïti): Jako, Jacquot, Perroquet

The Hispaniolan Parrot, commonly called “Cotorra” in Spanish, is an endemic parrot found naturally only in Hispaniola, the island shared by the Dominican Republic (DR) and Haiti (Ha). It is one of the most beloved birds to Dominicans. This parrot is listed as Vulnerable (VU) by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red Data List due to its restricted range and because wild-ranging populations are under risk of extinction. Loss of habitat has played a key role in the decline of this species; nonetheless, like most parrots and Psittacids in general, it is also vulnerable to hunting and poaching for pet trade. Despite existing legislation, presence of parrots in Dominican households is not uncommon and their popularity only seems to be increasing. Presently, there are national and local conservation measures underway specifically focused on the conservation of the Hispaniolan Parrot.

Conservation Measures

Conservation measures underway: CITES Appendix II; General Law on Environment and National Resources in Dominican Republic No. 64-00. Dominican Zoo collaborates with international organizations, has participated on investigations and receives most parrot individuals that are taken from human hands or voluntarily deposited by some people. Also in DR, national Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as Grupo Jaragua, Voluntarios Comunitarios de Jaragua and Hispaniola Ornithological Society have ongoing projects specifically focused on Hispaniolan Parrot conservation. These projects receive support from universities, international organizations as well as local communities such as Oviedo, in Pedernales province. Regionally, the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds (SCSCB) has an active Caribbean Parrots Working Group. Furthermore, there have been long-term investigations and scientific studies on this species. In 1997-1998, forty-nine (49) captive-reared birds were released and radio-tracked in Parque del Este, DR.
Conservation measures proposed: (a) Assess the current size of the wild-ranging population; (b) Determine magnitude of captive population; (c) Develop studies on socio-economy of commerce and trade of parrots, focusing on consumers-buyers-(d) Categorize ownership; (e) Establish comprehensive monitoring of wild-ranging and captive parrots and rescue and rehabilitation programs. (f) Determine the extent of remaining habitat; (g) Determine the impact of the various threats; (h) Enforce the laws and regulations protecting this species and its habitat; (i) Develop awareness and education campaigns along with local communities, taking into consideration results driven from (c) and (d); (j) Reinforce and intensify control mechanisms during breeding season.

Where to Find More Information

BirdLife International. 2007. Species factsheet: Amazona ventralis. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 18/11/2007.

Collazo, J. A., T. White Jr, F. J. Vilella and S. A. Guerrero 2003 Survival of Captive-Reared Hispaniolan Parrots released in Parque Nacional del Este, Dominican Republic. The Condor. 105: 198–207.

Keith, A. R., J. W., Wiley, S. C. Latta and J. A. Ottenwalder. 2003. The Birds of Hispaniola. Haiti and the Dominican Republic. BOU Checklist Series: British Ornithologists' Union and British Ornithologists´ Club. Page 147.

Raffaele, H., J. Wiley, O. Garrido, A. Keith and J. Raffaele. (1998). A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies. Princeton University Press. United States of America and Canada. Page 312.

White, T. Jr., J. A. Collazo, F. J., Vilella and S.A., Guerrero 2005. Effects of Hurricane Georges on Habitat Use by Captive- Reared Hispaniolan Parrots (Amazona ventralis) Released in the Dominican Republic. Ornitología Neotropical 16: 405-417.

Wiley, J. W., R. Gnam, S. Koenig , A. Dornell, X. Gálvez, P. E. Bradley, T. White, M. Zamore, Paul R. Reill and D. Anthony. 2004. Status and Conservation of the Family Psittacidae in the West Indies. The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology. Special Issue Honoring Nedra Klein. Pages 94-154.

Web Sites

Campaña nacional ¡DEJA ESO! Contra el Comercio y Tenencia de Cotorras
http://www.grupojaragua.org.do/dejaeso_english.html

BirdLife Caribbean Programme
http://caribbean.birdlife.org

Hispaniola Ornithological Society
http://soh.org.do

Hispaniolan Parrot Bird of the Month contributed by Laura Perdomo and Yolanda León and Estaban Garrido

Guidelines for writing up a Bird of the Month - please send in your contributions!

Bird of the Month - September 2007 - Piping Plover

Bird of the Month - April 2007 - Montserrat Oriole

Bird of the Month - March 2007 - Grenada Dove

Bird of the Month - January 2007 - Bicknell's Thrush

Bird of the Month - December 2006 - Rose-throated Parrot

Bird of the Month - November 2006 - Purple-Throated Carib

Bird of the Month - October 2006 - Palmchat

Bird of the Month - September 2006 - Elfin-woods Warbler

Bird of the Month - August 2006 - Red-billed Streamertail

Bird of the Month - July 2006 - Cahow or Bermuda Petrel

Bird of the Month - June 2006 - West Indian Whistling-Duck

Characteristics

28-31 cm or 11-12”; 250-300 g. Distinguished by its bright green overall, with a white forehead, dark ear-spot, maroon belly-patch and short, squared tail. During flight, bright blue primaries and secondaries are visible, as well as red in tail. The flight is duck-like with rapid wingbeats, and the wings move below the plane of the back.
Voice is noisy. Loud bugling flight calls; perch calls consist of a wide variety of loud squawks and screeches.
Similar to Hispaniolan Parakeet (Aratinga chloropter) and Olive-throated Parakeet (Aratinga nana) which are smaller in size, have long, pointed tails, and different calls. Also resembles Rose-throated Parrot (Amazona leucocephala), but white is restricted to the forehead and no red on throat, upper breasts or cheeks. Also, their ranges do not overlap.
It frequently forages in cultivated lands, such as banana plantations and maize fields.
Breeding is reported from February to June. Eggs (2-4) white. Typically nests in a tree cavity. Also reported to nest on rock ledges, dead tree-stumps, pothole in cliffs and in small caves in limestone rock faces in Sierra de Bahoruco and Los Haitises National Park (DR). Reported incubation periods average 25-28 days.

Range and Habitat Needs

Hispaniolan Parrot is endemic to the Island of Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and associated islands of Beata, Saona, Grande and Petite Cayemite and Île de la Gonâve. Introduced populations are established in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (St. Croix and St. Thomas).
On Hispaniola, found at all elevations in forests, woodlands and scrub wherever suitable fruits and seeds are available. It inhabits a variety of wooded habitats, from arid palm-savanna to pine and montane humid forest. It was formerly common throughout the main island, but it is now much reduced in numbers to the point of being considered uncommon, rare, or absent in most sites.

Presently, still locally common only in major forest reserves, particularly in the interior montane forests. In DR, found at Important Bird Areas (IBA) such as Armando Bermúdez, Sierra de Bahoruco, Del Este and Jaragua National Parks. Whereas earlier reports mention this species being common in the Massif de la Hotte and on the La Selle ridge in Ha, it is now considered rare and endangered in both La Visite National Park and Pic Macaya Reserve.

Interesting Facts

Dominicans will commonly refer to Hispaniolan Parrots as “cú-ca,” in reference to one of their most common sounds and calls.
Some local members from the community of Oviedo have admitted having pet “cotorras” because they are good “conversationists” and make everyone laugh. Others refrain from keeping “cotorras,” afraid that they might rat on them or gossip about them with someone.

Threats

Hispaniolan Parrot is listed as Vulnerable (VU) by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red Data List. Justification for this is a rapid population reduction suggested by anecdotal evidence. The size of the population and the exact extent of the decline are unclear, which makes some experts consider that overall status could be graver than suspected.
Undoubtedly, habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss resulting from expanding agricultural and timber activities, charcoal production as well as urban development have been the most important factors in the decline of this species. These practices have left birds without suitable nesting sites and, to a lesser extent, food and shelter.
Hunting, persecution as a crop-pest, and harvesting of young for pet trade add pressure to the species. International commerce of Hispaniolan Parrot is a lucrative business. Local demand itself maintains a constant illegal traffic. Pet parrots are frequently seen in Dominican households and if this trend continues, this species will become even more threatened.