During our time on the lancha, a two day journey from Iquitos to Lagunas, we had some time to chat with people. I also took this time to talk with a different species riding the boat, a parrot named Lorenzo.

Lorenzo is no normal parrot. He is an Amazona Festiva, otherwise known as a Festive Amazon Parrot. He was with us the whole time on the boat, so we got a chance chat. The following is what Lorenzo would say if he knew all these words.

"I grew up in the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve before I made my way to Iquitos. I didn't want to go there. I was perfectly happy in the forest with my mate and some of my other parrot friends. One day a bird catcher trapped me and brought me to the big city on his boat. It was nice of him to teach me how to speak Spanish on the way. I am still mad at him though, for dropping me off at that street market.

"Talk about craziness. Iquitos is a big city! So much going on, so much noise. Too many people for my tastes. Luckily I was only there for about a week before this nice woman came by to purchase me. She only paid 50 soles for me (about $17 US). Personally, I think I am worth a lot more!

"So here I am, three days later. The woman who bought me lives in Tarapoto, so I am heading back to the jungle! It is so nice to get out of the city. Unfortunately, the guy on the first boat clipped my wings, so I can no longer fly. I won't be able to eat the fruit and seeds in the forest. It looks like I am in for a life in a village. This way I won't need to worry about those pesky hawks and eagles trying to eat me but I will miss my partner. Luckily my owner feeds me rice and will also give me some Coca-Cola when I am good.

"Oh well, this is my stop! I've got to go! Adios Amigos!"

The Festive Amazon Parrot is relatively common in the rainforest up to 500m (or 1500 ft). They can reach 38 cm (15") in length. Ruben believes that they mate for life and usually hang out in pairs or with their young. Their main predators are hawks and eagles when they are adults. Coati raccoons, snakes and other animals can prey on the eggs or the young.

Have you ever seen a parrot at a pet store? How much did it cost? Where do you think it came from? Most likely it was like Lorenzo and came from the rainforest.

-Jesse