Amazon
Someone once said (we're not sure who)
that, "If African Greys are the college intellectuals, then Amazons are
the class clowns!" We completely agree.
Amazons can vary between species,
though, when it comes to talking and singing abilities. Some are good family
pets while others are mostly one-person birds and may even attack other family
members. Many Amazons can also go from cuddly and quiet to aggressive and loud
in an instant. They are best suited for more experienced bird owners because of
this unpredictable behavior.
Some species are more outgoing while
others tend to be shy. Most Amazons are loud in the mornings and evenings, but
some are more vocal than others. Because of this, they are not suited for
apartment living.
Amazons also have great body language,
so it is not difficult to tell when they are agitated. When an Amazon is
spreading his tail feathers, dilating his eyes, and raising the feathers on the
back of his neck, you need to steer clear or he may bite you.
Amazons are great talkers and some can
sing entire songs and even opera! The tone and clarity of their voices are
excellent. However, some species may only learn a few words and mimic sounds.
Amazon parrots also make a sound when they are happy or content that some
people relate to a cat purring. This is a good sound.
If you are an experienced bird owner
and can handle the loud vocal ability of the Amazon, then this talented parrot
might be the right pet bird for you.
Fast Facts
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Name
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Amazon
Parrots (Amazona)
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Origin
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Latin America
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Size
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9-18 in.,
250-700 grams, depending on subspecies
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Color Differences
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All have a base green color while their head
colors can vary between red, yellow, green, blue, white, and lilac.
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Average Cost
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$600-1500
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Lifespan
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up to 50 years or more
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Noise
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Amazons have
a loud vocal ability and most are very loud. Amazons are most well suited for
living in a house instead of an apartment.
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Qualities
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Independent, loyal, talkative, not shy, enjoy
showing off, love being the center of attention, playful, enjoy human
companionship, tend to cuddle only on their terms, some can be strong-willed
and unpredictable (especially during breeding season), many become aggressive
and bite during breeding season, very loud voices, prone to obesity.
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Abilities
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Excellent -
Most are great talkers and singers, good at mimicking sounds, and easy to
train.
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Interaction/Time Requirements
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Some species of Amazons need more human
interaction than others--these are rather independent birds. However, the
time requirement depends on the subspecies.
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Diet
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Amazons are
prone to obesity, so a good diet
for large parrots and
lots of exercise are a necessity. Seeds should be fed in moderation because
they contain a lot of fat. Amazons are also prone to Vitamin A deficiencies,
so foods high in Vitamin A are good.
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Supplies Needed
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They need supplies for large birds.
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