Amazon parrots are clever, pleasant, affectionate, and sociable birds with many putting wild sort shade variations. For these causes, they’re fashionable pet birds. Nevertheless, it takes an skilled chicken proprietor to deal with the parrot persona and to supply the care a parrot requires.
They’re mandatorily social creatures, continuously in want of interplay and a focus. Additionally they have a life span of 25 to 60 years. So, earlier than you select an Amazon parrot to be your major pet, be certain you recognize the whole lot you will need to know to correctly take care of one.
Here’s a have a look at 7 of probably the most fashionable pet Amazon parrot species, together with what units them aside from their shut cousins.
Portrait of a Parrot of French Guiana
Amazon parrots are intelligent, friendly, affectionate, and sociable birds with many striking wild type color variations. For these reasons, they are popular pet birds. However, it takes an experienced bird owner to handle the parrot personality and to provide the care a parrot requires.
They are mandatorily social creatures, constantly in need of interaction and attention. They also have a life span of 25 to 60 years. So, before you choose an Amazon parrot to be your primary pet, be sure you know everything you’ll need to know to properly care for one.
Here is a look at 10 of the most popular pet Amazon parrot species, including what sets them apart from their close cousins.
Many species of Amazon parrot are dwindling in the wild due to over trapping of wild birds; trapping is now illegal in many species. Seek out only reputable captive-bred birds from breeders who actively support conservation efforts.
Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots
Active and comical, blue-fronted Amazons are natural performers. They love to be around their owners and will “ham it up” for extra attention. Prolific talkers and singers, they vocalize often and can be very loud. Thus, they are not suited to living in close quarters like apartment buildings. Also, the males are often more aggressive than females. These birds can cost $500 to $3,000.
Species Overview
LENGTH: 15 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 18 ounces
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Green body, blue face, yellow head
Red-Lored Amazon Parrots
Red-lored Amazons are charismatic birds who bond quickly to human family members. Some have a tendency to pick their favorite people and be one-person birds. Red-lored Amazons are talented talkers and singers, but potential owners should be aware that all Amazons can, and do, scream and are often loud. These parrots are expensive, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
Species Overview
LENGTH: 13 inches
WEIGHT: 12 to 14 ounces
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Green body; yellow cheek, red feathers above beak
Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrots
Yellow-naped Amazon parrots are quick-witted creatures that make wonderful pets for active owners who really want to form a great bond with their bird. Their obvious intelligence and remarkable speech abilities put them among the most popular and recognizable species of Amazon parrot. And, like other Amazon parrots, with proper socialization and handling, these birds can enjoy being petted, especially on the head. Typically, males are more aggressive. They generally cost $2,000 to $3,000.
Species Overview
LENGTH: 14 inches
WEIGHT: 17 to 19 ounces
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Green body; area of yellow feathers at nape and lower dorsal neck
Double Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrots
Double yellow-headed Amazons make wonderful, affectionate pets when hand fed and raised in captivity from a young age. Highly gifted and possessing impressive speech abilities, this is a charming bird that loves being the center of attention. Just be sure you have four to six hours per day to devote to care, social play, and out-of-cage time before adopting one. Males tend to be more aggressive. Also, these birds cost, on average, $2,000 to $3,000.
Species Overview
LENGTH: 15 to 17 inches
WEIGHT: 17 ounces
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Green body; yellow head and neck; orange/red bend of wing and lesser wing coverts mixed with yellow; blackish to bluish violet flight feathers with a red patch on the outer secondaries; base of the tail also has an often hidden red patch
Panama Amazons
A good family bird, the Panama Amazon is a subspecies of the yellow-crowned Amazon. This is a friendly pet that loves interacting with people, so you could pet them with proper handling. Their social nature helps them be gentle and affectionate companions.
While they are loving, they are also a very active species, so they need an owner that can keep up with them. They must be provided with a safe space to climb and play outside of the cage each and every day. And, like other Amazon parrots, these can cost over $1,000.
Species Overview
LENGTH: 14 inches
WEIGHT: 17 to 19 ounces
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Green body; triangular yellow on the crown; variation in coloring among individuals
Lilac-Crowned Amazon Parrots
Lilac-crowned Amazon, Amazona finschi, Leticia, Department of Amazonas, Columbia
altrendo travel / Getty Images
Lilac-crowned Amazons are curious and active birds by nature. Like all parrots, they need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. These birds form strong bonds with their owners and must be provided with an adequate amount of daily social interaction to thrive. They typically cost around $1,800.
Species Overview
LENGTH: 13 inches
WEIGHT: 11 ounces
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Green body, with black-edged feathers; dark red forehead; blue/lilac top of head, nape, and neck; some red hidden tail feathers; bill is horn in color; pale gray eye-ring; orange eye
Southern Mealy Amazon Parrots
Portrait of a Mealy Amazon Parrot
Southern mealy Amazons are known to be the most gentle and docile of the Amazon parrots. They are affectionate when kept as pets, and they form strong bonds with their owners. Due to their gentle nature, they are a good choice for bird owners who want a large parrot but would prefer a bird with a more laid-back attitude. Prices for these birds are similar to other Amazons, with some breeders selling them for over $1,000.
Species Overview
LENGTH: 15 inches
WEIGHT: 25 to 27 ounces
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Green body with blue/black wash on the back of neck; yellow patch on the crown; eye-ring white, eye red