Lilac Crowned Amazon Parrot: Complete Guide to This Underrated Amazon
Among Amazon Parrots, the Lilac Crowned Amazon tends to fly under the radar compared to famous talkers like the Yellow Naped or the visually dramatic Double Yellow Head. That relative obscurity is a shame, because the Lilac Crowned offers real Amazon personality and talking ability at one of the more accessible price points in the Amazon family. This guide covers everything you should know before choosing this underrated species.
What is a Lilac Crowned Amazon?
The Lilac Crowned Amazon (Amazona finschi), also commonly called Finsch’s Amazon after the naturalist Otto Finsch, is native to the Pacific slope of Mexico, from Sinaloa south to Oaxaca. Wild populations have declined due to habitat loss and historic capture for the pet trade, and the species is now protected, with essentially all US pet trade birds coming from established domestic captive breeding lines.
What does a Lilac Crowned Amazon look like?
- Length: 13 inches
- Weight: 280 to 340 grams
- Body color: bright green
- Crown: lilac to maroon-purple, the source of the common name
- Forehead: red patch just above the beak
- Cheeks: green with a slight blue-grey wash near the crown
- Wing patch: red speculum visible in flight
- Beak: horn colored
The lilac crown is most visible up close or in good light. From a distance a Lilac Crowned Amazon can look like a fairly standard green Amazon until the distinctive purple-lilac head coloring becomes apparent.
Personality and temperament
Lilac Crowned Amazons are generally described as intelligent, playful, and a bit less prone to the loud, theatrical outbursts associated with some larger Amazon species. They form strong bonds with their primary caregiver and can be affectionate, though like most Amazons they benefit from consistent, confident handling and are prone to seasonal hormonal behavior shifts as they mature.
Are Lilac Crowned Amazons good talkers?
Yes, solidly good, though not usually ranked at the very top of the Amazon talking hierarchy. Lilac Crowned Amazons typically develop vocabularies of 30 to 60 words and phrases with reasonably clear pronunciation. For the full ranking of Amazon talking ability by species, see our Amazon Parrot cost guide, which covers talking ability alongside pricing for the major Amazon subspecies.
Are Lilac Crowned Amazons loud?
Moderate to loud, in line with most Amazon species. They are not silent apartment birds, but many owners report the Lilac Crowned as slightly less prone to sustained screaming fits compared to Yellow Naped or Double Yellow Head Amazons. Detached housing is still strongly recommended.
How much does a Lilac Crowned Amazon cost?
Hand raised Lilac Crowned Amazons cost $1,500 to $2,300 in the US in 2026, positioning this species at the more accessible end of the Amazon price range. For comparison across the full Amazon family, see our Amazon Parrot cost guide.
| Amazon Species | Price Range 2026 |
| Orange Winged Amazon | $1,500 to $2,200 |
| Lilac Crowned Amazon | $1,500 to $2,300 |
| Blue Front Amazon | $1,800 to $2,800 |
| Yellow Crowned Amazon | $2,000 to $3,000 |
| Double Yellow Head Amazon | $2,500 to $3,500 |
| Yellow Naped Amazon | $2,800 to $3,500 |
Care requirements
Cage size. Minimum 30 by 24 by 36 inches. Bar spacing no wider than 3 by 4 inch.
Diet. 60 to 70 percent high quality pellet, 20 to 30 percent fresh vegetables and moderate fruit, 5 to 10 percent nuts and seeds as treats.
Out of cage time. At least 2 to 3 hours per day of interaction and free flight in a bird proofed room.
Enrichment. Rotate three toys weekly. Foraging toys support natural food seeking behavior.
Sleep. 10 to 12 hours of dark quiet sleep per night.
How long do Lilac Crowned Amazons live?
Lilac Crowned Amazons typically live 40 to 60 years in captivity with proper care, in line with most Amazon species. For the full lifespan picture across parrot species, see our how long parrots live guide.
Lilac Crowned vs other Amazon species
If you are still deciding which Amazon species fits your household, our full Amazon Parrot cost guide compares price and talking ability across the major species, and our African Grey vs Amazon comparison helps if you are weighing Amazons against African Greys more broadly.
Where to buy a Lilac Crowned Amazon
At Mo’s Birds we work with several Amazon species from our Southern California aviary. Browse our Amazon parrots category page, check the new born babies page, or contact Mo directly for Lilac Crowned waitlist information. Local buyers in Southern California can visit in person, and Texas buyers can have a bird shipped safely via Delta Cargo.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called a Lilac Crowned Amazon?
Because of the distinctive lilac to maroon-purple coloring across the crown of the head, which contrasts with the green body and red forehead patch.
Is Finsch’s Amazon the same as Lilac Crowned Amazon?
Yes. Finsch’s Amazon is simply the alternate common name for the same species (Amazona finschi), named after naturalist Otto Finsch.
How much does a Lilac Crowned Amazon cost?
$1,500 to $2,300 for a hand raised baby in the US in 2026, one of the more affordable Amazon species.
Are Lilac Crowned Amazons good talkers?
Yes, solidly good with typical vocabularies of 30 to 60 words, though not usually ranked at the very top of the Amazon talking hierarchy alongside Yellow Naped.
How long do Lilac Crowned Amazons live?
40 to 60 years in captivity with proper care.
Are Lilac Crowned Amazons endangered?
Wild populations have declined due to habitat loss and historic trapping, and the species is now protected under CITES. Nearly all pet trade birds in the US come from established domestic captive breeding, not wild capture.