Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrot: Full of Love & Charm

Published: 2 Apr 2025

The Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot (Amazona oratrix), also called the Yellow Amazon or Yellow Head Amazon bird, is one of the most striking and intelligent parrot species in the world. Known for its vibrant green and yellow plumage, exceptional talking ability, and playful personality, this green and yellow parrot has become a favorite among avian enthusiasts.

However, owning a Yellow Head Amazon parrot is a long-term commitment, these yellow headed parrots can live for 50 years or more with proper care. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this magnificent bird, including its habitat, behavior, subspecies (like the Double Yellow Headed Amazon), diet, and care requirements.

Whether you’re a bird lover or considering adopting one, this article will help you understand what makes the Yellow Headed Amazon so special.

Table of Content

Yellow Headed Amazon Physical Appearance & Features

The Yellow Amazon bird is a medium to large parrot, typically measuring 14 to 17 inches (35-43 cm) in length and weighing between 400 to 600 grams.

Key Features:

Bright yellow head (adults) with green body feathers
Red patches on the shoulders (in some subspecies)
White eye rings and a strong, curved beak
Blue flight feathers visible when wings are spread

Juveniles have less yellow and more green on their heads, with the full yellow and green parrot coloration developing as they mature (around 3-5 years old).

Habitat & Distribution

Yellow-Headed Amazons are native to Mexico and Central America, primarily found in:

Coastal regions of Mexico
Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras
Tropical forests, mangroves, and savannas

Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade, they are now endangered in the wild. Conservation efforts are in place to protect remaining populations.

Personality & Talking Ability

Intelligence & Behavior

Yellow Head Amazon parrots are highly intelligent, social, and energetic. They thrive on interaction and can become very attached to their owners.

Playful & curious – Enjoys toys, puzzles, and climbing
Loud vocalizations – Natural call is loud, but they can mimic speech well
Affectionate but demanding – Needs daily mental stimulation

Talking Skills

These talking Amazon parrots are excellent mimics and can learn:

Words, phrases, and songs
Household sounds (doorbells, alarms, laughter)
Contextual speech (some can use words appropriately)

Training requires patience and consistency, but their ability to talk makes them a favorite among parrot owners.

Double Yellow-Headed Amazon as a Subspecies

The Double Yellow-Headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix belizensis or Amazona oratrix magna) is a subspecies of the Yellow-Headed Amazon.

How It Differs:

More extensive yellow coloring – Covers the entire head and sometimes the neck
Brighter red shoulder patches (in some variants)
Slightly larger size compared to standard Yellow Head Amazons

Like their relatives, Double Yellow-Headed Amazons are excellent talkers and have similar care requirements.

Differences Between Yellow-Headed & Double Yellow-Headed Amazon

Feature	Yellow-Headed Amazon	Double Yellow-Headed Amazon
Yellow Coverage	Head only	Head & sometimes neck
Size	14-17 inches	Slightly larger
Shoulder Patches	Red (varies)	More pronounced red
Rarity	More common in captivity	Less common, highly sought after

Both types share similar personality traits, but Double Yellow-Heads are often considered more visually striking.

Diet & Care

Wild Diet:

Fruits (mango, papaya, figs)
Seeds, nuts, and berries
Flowers and leaf buds

Pet Diet:

A balanced diet should include:
✅ High-quality pellet mix (60% of diet)
✅ Fresh fruits & veggies (30%) – Apples, carrots, leafy greens
✅ Nuts & seeds (10%) – As treats (avoid fatty seeds like sunflower in excess)
🚫 Avoid: Chocolate, avocado, caffeine, alcohol

Care Tips:

Large cage (minimum 3x3x4 ft) with perches & toys
Daily out-of-cage time (2+ hours for exercise & bonding)
Regular baths (they love water!)
Mental stimulation (training, foraging toys)

Lifespan & Health

Average Lifespan:

Wild: 30-40 years
Captivity: 50-80 years (with proper care)

Common Health Issues:

Obesity (from poor diet & lack of exercise)
Psittacosis (parrot fever) – Bacterial infection
Feather plucking (due to stress or boredom)
Beak & nail overgrowth (requires trimming)

Preventive Care:

Annual vet check-ups
Clean environment (avoid mold, fumes, Teflon pans)
Balanced diet & exercise

Is It a Good Pet?

Pros:

✔ Highly intelligent & trainable
✔ Excellent talking ability
✔ Affectionate & bonds strongly with owners
✔ Long lifespan (great for long-term companions)

Cons:

❌ Very loud (not ideal for apartments)
❌ Needs constant mental stimulation
❌ Can become aggressive if neglected
❌ Expensive (initial cost + long-term care)

Best for: Experienced bird owners who can dedicate time and attention.

Conclusion

In this blog we’ve covered Yellow Headed Amazon in detail. These charismatic, talkative birds aren’t just pets. They’re lifelong companions with personalities as vibrant as their plumage. But before you dive into parrot parenthood, remember, these intelligent, high-energy birds demand time, patience, and plenty of love.

If you’re ready for the mess, the laughter, and the unforgettable bond, a Yellow-Headed Amazon might just be your perfect match.

And if you already share your life with one of these feathered wonders, tell us your story in the comments below! What’s the funniest thing your Amazon has ever said? 🦜💛

FAQs

Here are some common questions about yellow headed amazon, with answers to keep your feathered friend safe and healthy!

How long do Yellow-Headed Amazon parrots live?

In captivity, they can live 50-80 years with proper care, a nutritious diet, and regular vet checkups. In the wild, their lifespan is shorter, around 30-40 years, due to predators and environmental factors.

What’s the difference between a Yellow-Headed and Double Yellow-Headed Amazon?

The Double Yellow-Headed Amazon has more yellow feathers covering the head, neck, and sometimes chest, while the standard Yellow-Headed Amazon has yellow mainly on its head. The Double Yellow-Headed Amazon is also known for being one of the best talkers among Amazons.

Are Yellow-Headed Amazons good talkers?

Yes! They are excellent mimics and can learn words, phrases, and even contextual speech with training. With patience and social interaction, they can develop a vocabulary of hundreds of words and mimic tones and emotions.

How much does a Yellow-Headed Amazon parrot cost?

Prices range from $1,500 to $3,000+, depending on age, training, breeder reputation, and health. Hand-raised and well-socialized parrots usually cost more, while adoption from a rescue may be more affordable.

What should I feed my Yellow-Headed Amazon?

A balanced diet includes:

Pellets (60%) – High-quality formulated parrot pellets as the main diet.
Fresh fruits & vegetables (30%) – Offer a variety, such as apples, carrots, and leafy greens.
Nuts & seeds (10%) – Given as occasional treats, not the main diet.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, and salty/sugary foods as they are toxic.

Are they loud birds?

Yes, they have loud, natural calls, especially at dawn and dusk. They love to vocalize, making them unsuitable for apartments or noise-sensitive homes. Training can help manage excessive screaming, but they will always be naturally vocal.

Do male and female Yellow-Headed Amazons behave differently?

Both males and females are affectionate and intelligent. However:

Males may be more vocal and assertive.
Females can be more territorial during the breeding season.
Both need socialization and training to prevent aggressive behaviors.

Can Yellow-Headed Amazons live with other birds?

They can be territorial, so introductions should be supervised. Some may coexist peacefully, especially if raised together, but others prefer being solo. Proper space and slow introductions can help reduce conflicts.

What are common health issues in Yellow-Headed Amazons?

Some common health concerns include:

Obesity – Caused by a high-fat diet and lack of exercise.
Feather plucking – Often due to stress, boredom, or nutritional deficiencies.
Psittacosis (Parrot Fever) – A bacterial infection affecting breathing.
Beak & nail overgrowth – Requires regular trimming or natural wear through toys and perches.
Respiratory infections – Often caused by poor air quality or drafts.

Where can I buy a Double Yellow-Headed Amazon parrot?

Look for reputable breeders, avian rescues, or specialty bird stores that prioritize bird welfare. Avoid illegal wildlife trade and sellers who can’t provide proper health records or background information.