Lilac Crowned Amazon     Amazons are probably one of the most independent of the parrots. They can entertain themselves for hours with the simplest of items or can do the perfect imitation of tarzan from the most complex toy. They will allow you to cuddle them when THEY want to be cuddled but if they are not in the mood, watch out.      When people ask our advice regarding the type of bird to purchase, we describe Amazons in general as being playful birds, talkative, independent, colorful and entertaining.      They Feed on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in their natural habitat and should be fed the same in captivity. They have a tendency to become perch potatoes so limiting seeds and fatty food from their diet is normally a good idea.      As a rule, Amazon parrots come from Northern Mexico through Central America all the way south to South America. There are species of Amazons ranging from the 12" White Fronted to the 16" Imperial. In this article we will talk about the most commonly available.      All Amazons have a green body with different colored heads and wings.      The Lilac Amazon's head is what makes them distinctive. The front of the head is a dark maroon with a lilac coloring directly behind. As the bird matures, the lilac becomes more intense and covers more area until it comes around the side of the face and meets under the chin. As a pet the Lilac Crown makes the perfect family bird as they are always happy, playing and chewing. This species need lots of wood to chew on as it must have been a beaver in another life. We always tell people who have children and insist on owning an amazon to find a hand fed Lilac Crown and it will be another child in the family.