Amazon parrots are medium-sized parrots that all have the same primary green plumage with small patches of different colors that distinguish them. They comprise a diverse group of colorful and intelligent parrot species. Their vibrant plumage has colors ranging from white, purple, and blue to yellow and red.
They are among some of the best-talking parrots and have a reputation for being chatty, lively, and engaging companions. These parrots form strong bonds with their owners and have high social needs, which makes them more suitable for experienced bird owners.
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Types Of Amazon Parrots To Keep As Pets
There are approximately 30 species in the Amazona Genus, however, many of them are currently endangered due to illegal pet trade and habitat loss. Below are the 13 Amazon parrot species that are popular as pets:
Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots
Blue-fronted amazons are one of the most popular species of amazons that are kept as pets. You can find an entertaining companion in these birds and their jolly nature will never cease to amaze you. Their playful demeanor and mischievous but adorable antics make them a great family pet.
Blue-fronted amazons have exceptional talking ability and are quick learners. They also like to vocalize frequently and can be quite loud. You can keep them in apartments but they are generally suited for open spaces.
Red-Lored Amazon Parrots
Curious and enthusiastic, the red-lored amazons are playful birds that enjoy interaction with people. They are highly social and bond deeply with their owners. Sometimes, they may even choose a favorite person, which can be problematic for other family members as they can become over-possessive.
Red-lored amazons are gifted vocally and are renowned for their mimicking abilities. However, they also tend to scream loudly, which can be troublesome if you live in close quarters or have a shared wall with the next apartment.
Orange-Winged Amazon Parrots
Orange wings are energetic and outgoing, but they also tend to be a lot calmer compared to other amazons. They are less talkative and stay relaxed most of the time. They are also comparatively quieter and do not scream as much.
This can make them great pets for people who do not want to deal with a bird with a big and boisterous personality. However, that does not mean that the orange-winged amazons lack personality. These birds carry a lively personality and like to socialize with everyone in the family.
Despite its name, the orange in its feather cannot be readily seen. The orange color underneath the wings is revealed when the bird is flighted or opens its wings. Their head feathers are colored with splashes of blue and yellow.
Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrots
Yellow-naped Amazons are fun, comical, and cheerful birds. They are super high energy, always looking for fun and playtime with their owners. It is great to be around them as they continue to amuse with their eccentric antics.
Being prolific talkers, they are always imitating sounds and noises that they hear and can learn a bunch of words as well. However, like many other amazons, they can be bossy at times, which makes them unsuitable for beginners.
Yellow-Crowned Amazon Parrots
Yellow-crowned amazons are intelligent and amazing birds. They’re one of the best talkers out there that can keep you constantly entertained.
These birds chat and mimic sounds and fill the room with lively vocalizations. They’re quite loud too, which is not a good thing if you live in an apartment.
Lilac-Crowned Amazon Parrots
The Lilac-Crowned Amazon parrots, known for their amicable nature, stand out as one of the smaller members of the Amazon parrot family. They have dark violet hues on the forehead that seamlessly transition through the crown, to iridescent lilac feathers. These birds make delightful pets, thriving in environments that offer them mental stimulation, and social interaction.
Double Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrots
Adorned with a distinctive yellow feather mask, the Double Yellow-Headed Amazons are relatively big and stocky birds. These birds have a few subspecies that originate in parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize.
Typically, the Double Yellow-Headed Amazons from Mexico are larger in size than other subspecies and have yellow feathers extending down to their shoulders. Most other double-headed amazons have yellow feathers exclusively on the head.
They’re talkative and inquisitive birds that enjoy the company of others thoroughly. Destructive behavior can be a concern because these birds will chew your furniture if they do not have their toys. Once they bond with a person, they can exhibit jealous and moody behaviors towards others. However, they can learn to tolerate other people.
Green Cheeked Amazon Parrot
Named after their iconic red markings, these birds are also known as the Red-Crowned Amazon or the Mexican Red-Headed parrot.
These beautiful and adorable amazons hail from the northeastern parts of Mexico. Green-cheeked amazons are amazing talkers and learn very quickly.
They easily pick up words, phrases, and any sounds that they might hear such as phone ringtones, alarms, car horns, etc.
They are also quite loud and prone to squawking. Like most amazons, they do have the tendency to get attached to one person so you want to make sure that everyone in the family is spending some amount of time with them.
White-Fronted Amazon Parrots
This species of amazons is named for the bright white patch of feathers on its forehead, although the amount of white can vary in individual birds. The white-fronted Amazon is one of the few Amazon parrots that is sexually dimorphic.
The adult male has red-colored primary covert feathers whereas the female has green. They are among the smallest Amazon parrots, though you would be surprised to hear how shrill and loud their calls can be.
Cuban Amazons
Cuban amazons are smart, inquisitive birds with excellent mimicking ability. Their appearance is the most striking with a prominent white patch of feathers on the head and rosy pink colors on their cheeks, neck, and chest.
Cuban parrots are also known as the rose-throated parrot. They make delightful pets but many of them often go through an aggressive phase as they mature.
Black-Billed Amazon Parrots
Black-billed Amazon parrots are the smallest of all the Amazons, with just 10 inches in length. But their small stature only adds to their cuteness and affectionate nature. They’re smart, goofy, funny, and loud – all wrapped into a mini package.
Southern Mealy Amazon Parrots
Measuring up to 16 inches in length and having a playful demeanor, Mealy amazons are gentle giants. They are one of the largest parrots in the Amazon genus.
Southern mealy amazons have mainly green plumage with hints of red and blue under the wings that are visible when flighted.
The nape and back of the mealy Amazon have a whitish tinge as though it has been covered with dust. They also have a thick white circle around their eyes, which gives them a comical look.
Panama Amazon Parrots
A subspecies of the yellow-headed, amazons, Panama amazons are gentle and sweet birds. Being highly social, they are always ready for interaction and playtime and can keep the whole family entertained.
They are curious-natured and are inclined to explore their environment. For an Amazon parrot, they are relatively quiet but can make loud calls when they want to.
