Urban adaptations of the Cuban Amazon ( <i>Amazona leucocephala</i> ): behaviour and diet in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Abstract The Cuban Amazon (Amazona leucocephala) is a species of Psittaciforme bird with populations of vulnerable status in Cuba. A wild population of Amazona leucocephala has been established in the city of Santiago de Cuba, probably from individuals that escaped from captivity. Through 576 h of observation (January 2021 and June 2022), vocalizations, feeding, and perching were the most frequent behaviors. Reproduction-related behaviors were observed from February to May, including nesting attempts, copulations and nest cavity searches, however, no successful reproductive events were recorded during the study period. The diet included 24 plant species (58% exotic), with a predominance of fruits (50.8%) and seeds (17%). The most commonly used plants in the diet of Amazona leucocephala were Ehretia tinifolia, Bursera simaruba, Pithecellobium dulce and Terminalia catappa. The factors influencing the persistence and growth of the Cuban Amazon population in Santiago de Cuba are: the limited presence of wooded areas within the city, which has led to the confinement of Amazona leucocephala to the most wooded regions; the scarcity of nesting cavities; competition for these resources with other species; and hunting and persecution. Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting keystone tree species, integrating native plants into urban planning, and promoting environmental education.