The Sisserou parrot (Amazona imperialis) is the national bird of Dominica and an important cultural symbol for the country. This medium-sized parrot is found only on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. The Sisserou parrot plays an important ecological role in the forests of Dominica and is an integral part of the island’s biodiversity. However, due to habitat loss, hunting and the pet trade, the Sisserou is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique parrot and its habitat.
Quick facts about the Sisserou parrot
- Scientific name: Amazona imperialis
- Other names: Imperial Amazon, Dominican Amazon
- Length: 33-38 cm
- Weight: 400-650 g
- Lifespan: 60 years
- Diet: Fruits, seeds, flowers, buds
- Range: Endemic to Dominica
- Population: Estimated at less than 5,000 birds
- Conservation status: Vulnerable
Physical characteristics of the Sisserou parrot
The Sisserou parrot has green upper parts, a black scalloped pattern on its breast, a purple abdomen, a red undertail, and a multicolored beak. The adult’s eye-ring is grey and the irises are brown. Juvenile Sisserous have a brown eye-ring and dark irises until their third year. This parrot has a strong black beak adapted for cracking nuts and seeds. Their tails are short and square-tipped. Sisserou parrots exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being larger and having wider heads than females.
Habitat and distribution of the Sisserou parrot
The Sisserou parrot is endemic to the Caribbean island of Dominica. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests and rainforests. Sisserous predominantly inhabit the island’s interior mountainous regions. They nest in cavities of tall tropical trees. This species has a small global range of only 750 km2, restricted entirely to Dominica. However, the parrots can be found across the island from coastal regions to mountain peaks. Their elevation range is between 550 to 1250 m above sea level. Due to deforestation, the Sisserou’s distribution is becoming increasingly fragmented.
Map of the Sisserou parrot’s range on Dominica
Diet and feeding habits
Sisserou parrots are specialized frugivores. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and buds from tropical trees and shrubs. Some of the Sisserou’s favorite natural foods include:
- Guava
- Mango
- Palm fruits
- Forest grapes
- Mahogany pods
- Mountain palms
- Tree seeds
Sisserous use their strong beaks to crack open nuts and seeds. They forage for food in the forest canopy in pairs or small flocks. These parrots play an important ecological role in dispersing the seeds of tropical trees through their feces. Sisserous may also raid agricultural crops at forest edges.
Behavior and reproduction
The Sisserou parrot is active during the day. It spends its mornings and late afternoons foraging for food. At midday, Sisserous take a break from feeding to preen and rest. They roost in cavities of tall trees at night.
Sisserous are monogamous birds that mate for life. Their breeding season is from April to June. They nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. The female lays 2-4 eggs which she incubates for 24-25 days while being fed by her mate. The chicks fledge at 9-12 weeks old. Juvenile Sisserous remain dependent on their parents for several months after leaving the nest. These parrots are relatively slow breeders, only producing one clutch per year.
Status and conservation
Due to its restricted range and declining population, the Sisserou parrot is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its population is estimated to be less than 5,000 individuals. However, obtaining accurate counts is difficult. The major threats facing the Sisserou parrot are:
- Habitat loss: Logging, agriculture, development, and storms degrade and fragment their forest habitat.
- Poaching: Illegal capture for the pet trade or hunting for food.
- Natural disasters: Hurricanes can destroy forest habitat and nest sites.
Dominica’s Forestry Department has designated protected areas for the parrot. The Northern Forest Reserve and Morne Diablotin National Park protect some of the species’ key habitat. Supplemental feeding stations have also been set up to provide food sources. Captive breeding and release programs have been initiated to help boost wild populations. Further research, anti-poaching enforcement, and habitat protection are needed to secure the Sisserou’s future.
Importance and symbolism of the Sisserou parrot
The Sisserou parrot is culturally significant to Dominica and holds a place of pride as the island’s national bird. It is featured prominently on the country’s coinage and coat of arms. Many Dominicans consider the parrot to be a living symbol of their island nation.
Reasons why the Sisserou parrot is so cherished in Dominica include:
- It is a beautiful and unique parrot found only on Dominica.
- Traditional folk tales and songs feature the Sisserou.
- Its persistence reflects Dominica’s own resilience.
- It is a flagship species for conservation.
- Ecotourists come to see Sisserous in the wild.
- The species represents Dominican biodiversity and wilderness.
This parrot is a source of national pride and identity for Dominica. Its cultural significance has spurred efforts to protect its remaining populations in the wild through habitat conservation and anti-poaching measures. Losing the Sisserou parrot would mean losing an iconic part of Dominica’s natural heritage.
Ecotourism involving the Sisserou parrot
The Sisserou parrot is an attractive tourism flagship for Dominica’s eco-tourism industry. Birdwatchers travel from around the world for a chance to see this rare parrot in its natural habitat. Some key sites and activities for Sisserou ecotourism include:
- Morne Diablotin National Park – Guided hiking tours observe wild Sisserous.
- Syndicate Nature Trail – This rainforest trail offers parrot watching.
- Northern Forest Reserve – Improved chances of sightings due to supplementation feeding stations.
- Botanical Gardens – Sisserous can sometimes be spotted in trees here.
- Captive Sites – Parrot aviaries at sites like Papillote Wilderness Retreat.
- Species experts – Local guides knowledgeable about the parrot’s ecology.
Ecotourism built around the Sisserou provides jobs and revenues for Dominicans. It gives local people further incentive to protect the parrot. However, tourism activities must be managed carefully to limit disturbance to the birds during critical times.
Conclusions
The Sisserou parrot is of immense ecological, cultural, economic and national importance to Dominica. As a flagship endemic species, it represents the uniqueness of island’s biodiversity. This parrot plays a key role in forest regeneration through seed dispersal. The Sisserou is ingrained in Dominican culture as the national bird and symbolic of the county’s identity. Ecotourism revolving around the parrot provides socioeconomic benefits. However, habitat loss, poaching and climate change threaten the Sisserou’s survival. Conservation measures focused on research, habitat protection, anti-poaching enforcement and community engagement are vital for securing the future of this iconic Dominican species. The Sisserou parrot highlights the need for sustainable development that respects the environment to benefit both wildlife and local people.
