Amazon Parrots Bird Breed Pictures,Characteristics, & Facts

These medium-size pet parrots are gregarious, Lewis says, which may explain why they tie with the African grey in terms of popularity-7 percent of bird parents have either an Amazon or an African grey, according to the APPA's survey. These brightly colored outgoing birds are good talkers as well.

Their parents can't get enough of them. "We love our yellow-naped Amazons because they have so much character. They also have great body language-we know their moods pretty quickly. We were surprised at how affectionate and loving they are, yet we love how feisty they are and how specific their needs and wants are," says Sunny Updegrove of Ohio, about her two pet parrots, Jalapeno and Miss Rocco.

To give these best pet birds their best lives, provide lots of social interaction, with mentally stimulating toys (foraging, shredding, puzzles) that are changed around weekly, Lewis says. Otherwise, your Amazon will get noisy and destructive because they're bored.

The JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy lets bird parents stuff its casing with foraging materials or treats, and with a bell inside, also works all on its own. Super Bird Creations Bottoms Up Bird Toy presents a different challenge, with see-through canisters that you can fill with treats. It's up to your parrot to figure out how to get them.

You also want to watch your pet bird's diet (and exercise). "So many of them have obesity issues we actually have to limit even the pellets sometimes," says Dr. Rolfe. To fill up your Amazon, give them as many vegetables as possible. When you do give your pet parrot fruit, go for ones that are low in sugar and high in nutrients-berries are great choice, while grapes are not, Dr. Rolfe notes.

Also known as:

There are plenty of types of Amazons, including the yellow-naped and orange-winged Amazon.

Average lifespan:

40 to 50 years

Social needs:

Like all parrots, they need a lot of attention, Lewis says. Babies are especially friendly, so if you get a young bird, put in the time early to get a companionable pet with a (mostly) good disposition. "Eighty percent is nurture and 20 percent is nature," Lewis says.

Talking ability:

Among the best bird pets that can talk, Amazons are prized for their ability to pick up words and phrases.

Medical concerns:

Obesity and heart disease: Amazons tend to become obese, and that puts them at risk for heart disease. One way to prevent heart disease: exercise. "Just allowing your bird to climb up on top of the cage once a day when you get home is not really exercise," says Dr. Rolfe. "These birds are athletes of the highest order and so aerobic exercise-wing flapping, flight- those are all good things to get them to stay healthy and not have as many cardiac issues over time."

Infected nares: A parrot's nostrils, or nares, are found on the sides of his beak, and they get can infected from a lack of vitamin A or bacteria and fungus in the home (usually coming from an A/C or heating vent), says Katherine Quesenberry, DVM, MPH, chief medical officer at Animal Medical Center in New York City.

You'll see a nasal discharge, either thick and gooey or a thin, clear liquid. Take your pet to the vet so the infection can be cleared up (and the source of the infection can be found).

Respiratory illnesses: Tropical birds like Amazons can suffer from low humidity during northern winters when indoor heat robs your home of moisture, and become susceptible to respiratory illnesses, Dr. Quesenberry says. She advises Amazon parents to get a cool-mist humidifier, and clean it out regularly to make sure it's free from mold.