Travel Tips

Send Photo to a Friend

Amazona imperialis/Sisserou Parrot

Sisserou Parrot, indigenous only to Dominica

This is a Sisserou (amozona imperialis) Parrot.
It is the national symbol for Dominica and adorns the country's coat of arms and flag.
It may be the oldest species of amazona parrots in the world and is indigenous only to Dominica.
After thousands of years on this island, the Sisserou finds itself on the brink of extinction, due to the ever-increasing human population, deforestation and poaching of this beautiful bird.

In 1976 the Commonwealth of Dominica passed the Forestry and Wildlife Act to give maximum protection to the Sisserou, making it illegal to hunt or own one.
Conservation efforts, including a breed and release program, are underway.
While visiting Dominica you may see the birds in the Botanical Gardens in the capital city of Roseau.