Some real rarities popping up on CL

[grey782163]

Ok, I admit it, I am obsessed with Craigslist. I check it every day. 3 days ago, I saw an ad for a Cherry Headed Conure. Here is the ad:
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/pet/4616164498.html.  This is not a Cherry Headed Conure, it is a Tucuman Amazon. I almost pounced on it, but I talked myself out of it.

Yesterday, there was this ad:  http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/pet/4617551461.html. This is a 4 year old Scaly Naped Amazon (aka Mercenary Amazon). I have only seen one in my life, and that was over 30 years ago. Very few were ever imported to the US. I contacted the owner to arrange a time that I could check him out. The pic looks like a scaly nape, but could also be a Guatemalan Mealy Amazon. The true test is the weight: a Scaly Nape weighs about half as much as a Mealy. I was honest with the owner and told them that right now I am just thinking about getting him and that he would have to go to the vet before I would finalize the purchase. He seemed cool with that, so we'll see

[Sapphire]

Wow, George, I hope you decide to have the Scaley Naped Amazon. Let us know when you have been to see him 

[WendyK.]

Holy smokes, that sure does look like a Scaly Naped.    

I could be wrong, but don't the Guatemalan Amazons have all black beaks, while the Scaly Napes have a lighter colored lower mandible?

[grey782163]

yes Wendy K, but they can be variable towards the base. So weight will be the clincher

[Pea]

They are both gorgeous birds!  I hope the Scaly Naped Amazon ends up with you!  Keep us updated!

[Pinkbirdy]

That would have been a scary "Cherry head conure " . The Scaly is so cute. I love rare birds . I look at craigslist all the time too [to see what people have around here].They want ridiculous money for birds here.

[Sapphire]

When are you going to see it, George?

[Rita]

WOW George, that's exiting. Hopefully you'll own this rare species of Amazon soon. Keep us informed!

Greetings from the Netherlands,
Rita
 

[grey782163]

Going over tomorrow afternoon to check it out

[Sapphire]

I can't wait to hear how you get on, George!

[Nakia]

So did you go check the Scaly Amazon out George? Sounded like a great price especially if it is truly a rare species. I didn't get to see the "Questionable Conure". the post had already been deleted by the poster. 

I check craigslist within driving rage of my area a fair bit. I refuse to even consider any that I would have to deal with in shipping. Too many scams & thieves on CL for me to do that. 

 I see lots of birds for sale and there are many I'd love to get. But like Terri, most are either outrageous in price or over my budget for the time I see them. And thank goodness for that matter too, lest I be overrun with birds if they were all 'dirt cheap!' 

[grey782163]

Ok, the weight checks out. He is a healthy Scaly Naped Amazon who is friendly as can be. The owners will be taking him to my vet next week for a thorough check-up at my expense. Hopefully by then I will have finished waffling on this decision by then. At best I get a new bird, at worst they get a health certification for their patience

[Sapphire]

I hope you decide to have him, George if the health check comes back okay 

[Debra]

Good luck George! That is one beautiful bird you'll be getting!

[Rita]

Hello George,

How did your visit at the 19th. go? Please let us know.

Greetings from the Netherlands,
Rita