Amazon parrots

The Amazon Parrot is the best known of all the New World Parrots. They are native to South America and Central America, including the West Indies. Different species range in many different areas. Some range in tropical forest climates with constant high temperatures and humidity. Others range in areas of the tropical Savannah climates with short dry periods. Amazons are very social and in nature, live in groups. They can be seen either in pairs or flocks, from small groups to groups of several hundred birds. They also form permanent pairs when sexually mature. There are 27 species of Amazons, with some being so abundant in the tropics that farmers consider them to be pests. On the other hand, 12 species are considered to be endangered or threatened with extinction. Eight of the most popular pet Amazons are among those that are endangered.

The Amazon is a stocky green bird, averaging around 13 inches from head to tail, with a short, somewhat rounded tail. Identification is made by the variety of brilliant splashes of color that appear on the head, nape, neck, wing and tail feathers of the different species. These variations include reds and yellows to blues and even lilacs!

Young Amazons have a dirty gray brown iris, which changes as they mature to a red, red-orange, or chestnut brown color. Males and Fe-males make equally good pets, and sex cannot be reliably determined without the aid of DNA testing, except in the case of the Yellow Lored and White Fronted.

The most popular species kept as pets in the United States are the Blue Fronted, Double Yel-low Headed, Orange Winged, Red Lored, Yellow Crowned and the Yellow Nape. If you are ready for a slightly offbeat adventure in pet ownership, consider the personable, playful Amazon parrot.

Affection: Amazon parrots are very social and love lots of interaction with their owners. They are also very loving and have very outgoing personalities. In nature they live in groups, so naturally like to be included in the human “flock”. They like to preen and be preened. Amazons have a reputation for becoming unpredictable and aggressive once they reach sexual maturity at around 4 to 5 years of age. Some, like the Lilac Crowns and Mealies, seem to be less prone to this hormone induced transformation. It is important to learn and understand your bird’s behavior. This includes learning the telltale warning signs that your bird is becoming over stimulated. Because the Amazons have this tendency to be susceptible to behavioral problems, not all species are recommended for the inexperienced parrot owner.

Intelligence: Amazons are highly intelligent, making them easy to train and very adaptable. They are one of the most rapid of all the parrots at becoming accustomed to change. The Amazons require a stimulating environment, with lots of different types of toys, to keep them happy and healthy. Toys should be rotated on a regular basis so that they don’t become bored. They also require a devoted owner who is willing to provide significant interaction and attention.

Talking: Amazons are generally known for excellent vocal abilities and sound imitation, rivaled only by the African Grey Parrot. A single bird will quickly bond to its owner, and may soon begin to mimic the sounds of its environment. Talking, singing, and interacting with your pet are some of the best ways to spark your bird’s talking potential. Many birds tend to pick up things said with enthusiasm, which may be why they pick up words and sayings we don’t intend for them to repeat! The “Yellow” Amazons have the best reputation for talking ability, namely theDouble Yellow Head, Yellow Crown and Yellow Nape. The Yellow Nape Amazon has a reputation as an excellent all around bird, very popular as a pet, and one of the best talkers.

Loudness: Amazons are generally calm and peaceful, getting vocal mostly around sunrise and sun-set. During the day they may present challenges, mainly because they are such social animals. Many just like hearing the sound of their own voice, and they are big show-offs! They crave attention and will sing opera or crone like Elvis just to get it! This is very entertaining – except if you are trying to have a conversation with your friends, or chatting on the phone!

Destructiveness: All parrots need toys and stimulating activities to keep from being bored. Amazons are cavity nest-ers in the wild, so they have a natural desire to chew wood. Providing destructible toys will satisfy this urge to seek and destroy. Watch them when out of the cage – anything in your home is a toy to be reckoned with, and they may destroy items you consider to be valuable!

Size as a consideration: The majority of popular Amazons are of medium size, which means they will require a fair amount of space.

Temperament as a consideration: Owning an Amazon has been equated to spending the next 50 years with a 2 year old, complete with mood swings and temper tantrums.

Financial Requirements: Prices for Amazons range anywhere from $700 to $1700, depending on the specific breed you are looking for and their rarity, availability, and seasonal breeding cycles. On average, and based on the most popular of Amazons purchased by people in North America, you can expect to pay between $700 to $1600 for an Amazon throughout the majority of the calendar year. Cages suitable in size and space for your average Amazon will run between $300 to $600 or more. A home with one Amazon in it will require approximately $30.00 per month in food costs, toys $10 to $20 per month.

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