Red lored amazon parrot

Question
My sister got a red lored parrot from her friend and when "he" met me, he started biting her and would let me doing anything with him; she finally gave him to me.  I'm starting to question the "he" because he likes to go behind the toilet or in a corner and starts screeching or growling, he also lifts his tail while slides his beak on the floor.  Is this male or female behavior?

Answer
It's sad to hear that your sister so easily dismissed this bird, but it's nice to hear that you're going to be his (or) 'forever' home.
 Before you feel slighted at any time in the future, it's not unusual for birds to shift attentions. They develop what can only be described as a sort of 'crush' on other people. No one knows why - or how - or when, but it happens.  If your sister just accepted this and didn't react, chances are that the bird would have been back in love with her before too long.

The behavior does have a tendency to happen more in females, but with these parrots - males also do nest building and may display very similar behaviors.
 
 The one most important thing I recommend to all parrot owners is to have a DNA genetic screening for the usual diseases at the very beginning.  Part of the results will be to tell you what sex the bird is - and it's pretty important.  Females need to be watched carefully to avoid egg laying - which can pose numerous health problems or even be fatal if she becomes egg bound.  
  It's not necessarily important that an avian vet be seen, many 'regular' vets are quite capable of caring for parrots - you just have to ask!  

 Our girls are checked twice a year - it's comforting to know that this vet knows us and will be there for us if we ever have an emergency in the middle of the night, on a weekend or holiday.  Believe me - when your bird gets sick or injured, that's not the time to start shopping around for medical care.

 Take a look at our birds and more about caring for them here:   www.4AnimalCare.org