Re: Red-crowned vs. Lilac-crowned Parrot records and distribution in San Diego County……Rethinking needed!

Dear friends,

Since 1996 we have preserved 29 specimens of Amazona from San Diego County for the research collection at the San Diego Natural History Museum. There has been no selection by species—we have preserved all specimens we have received, as I knew the problem of distinguishing the Red-crowned and Lilac-crowned would only grow, and these specimens give perspective to the evolving situation. Of the 29, approximately 20 are Red-crowned and 9 are Lilac-crowned. I say approximately because in the lack of specimens from the natural range of the Red-crowned, I cannot say what the range of normal variation in the Red-crowned really is. Within the set of San Diego County specimens, of both apparent species, there is noticeable variation in the shade and extent of red on the forehead and in the shade and extent of bluish on the hindcrown. Some individuals may be hybrids. It will take analysis based on comparison with specimens from the natural range to say for certain. Also, tissue samples from all specimens are archived at SDSU and could be analyzed if genetic markers distinguishing the species are discovered. One specimen of the Lilac-crowned was picked up as early as 1996, and the others range in date from 2009 to 2022. So both species have been around for a while, ample time for hybridization. Yet another example of cities and introduced populations becoming crucibles of evolution before our eyes.

Good birding,

Philip Unitt

San Diego