Imperial Amazon

Only the Caribbean island of Dominica is home to the imperial amazon, commonly referred to as the Dominican amazon or the sisserou. It has been named the Dominican Republic's national bird. The species is in grave danger of extinction. Only 50 mature individuals were thought to be present in the wild as of 2019.

The typical length of an imperial amazon is 48 cm. The species is huge for its genus, with males averaging 900 g (32 oz) and females 650 g. The sisserou's call is a loud, even "squeaky," mixture of screech, squawk, and trill that is heard at higher frequencies. They typically roam in groups of three or fewer and are shy and evasive. They occasionally congregate alongside red-necked amazons. They have strong wings and excellent climbing abilities. They like sitting in treetop vantage points. They are hard to spot because of how well their plumage conceals them.

Human interference in the forest, such as selective logging and deforestation, results in habitat loss. Despite the fact that education programs have drastically lowered the local market, trapping for food and trade still poses a threat. These birds are hunted in order to be sold on the black market, which is a sizable market for illegal animal trading. Although there were attempts in the 1900s to outlaw all illicit bird trading and confinement, some international dealers still attempt to hunt this species. Their habitat has also been affected by plantations' expansion, particularly by the production of bananas. Additionally, the encroachment of human development has been a significant problem, and environmentalists are working to preserve the birds' preferred habitat.