The National Bird of Dominica – The Sisserou Parrot

The Sisserou, Amazona imperialis, is Dominica’s national bird and the larger of the two endemic parrots in Dominica.Sisserou Parrot

These precious birds are found nowhere else in the world and are found only in the higher elevation rainforests around the Morne Diablotins and Morne Trois Pitons National Park here in Dominica.

Appearance: Males and females are almost identical in appearance, coloured with greens, purples, black and orange. Males tend to weight about 900g (32 oz) and females about 650 g (23 oz), and they average 20 inches in length.

Diet: These birds eat a variety of fruit, nuts and other local vegetation such as bromeliads and wild anthurium.

Character: Sisserou parrots are shy and generally travel solo or in pairs or trios. They live to about 70 years old.

Cultural Importance

The Sisserou is featured on

• Dominica’s Flag
• The Coat of Arms
• The Parliamentary Mace

DID YOU KNOW?

Sisserou Parrots mate for life! Once the Sisserou finds a partner, it remains with it until its death.

• Read more about the Sisserou Parrot and other birds of Dominica on avirtualDominica.com