Amazon Parrot Facts & Worksheets

Amazon parrots are clever and beautiful birds known for their singing and conversational abilities. They are excellent pets, but they require a lot of love, care, supervision, and training. These parrots are also known for being outgoing and stubborn. 

See the fact file below for more information on Amazon Parrots, or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Amazon Parrot worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Amazon Parrot Characteristics

• The Amazon Parrot contains 34 different birds in the scientific family Amazona. 
• They have curved beaks and zygodactyl feet, with two toes facing forward and two facing backward.
• In size, Amazon parrots range from 10 to 16 inches, depending on the species, and weigh up to 1.5 pounds, or 350-600 grams.
• In most cases, males and females resemble one another. A simple blood test can determine a bird’s gender. 
• The average lifespan of an Amazon parrot ranges from 40 to 60 years, and the maximum life span recorded was 80+ years. 
• The majority of these parrots have green feathers on their heads, although others have yellow, red, orange, or blue feathers. Most common species are the following: Red-lored Amazon, Blue-fronted Amazon, White-fronted Amazon, Yellow-naped Amazon, Mealy Amazon, and Cuban Amazon.
• The Amazon’s Red-lored feathers are primarily bright green. It gets its name from the brilliant red patches on its forehead. The wings feature a hint of crimson, and some birds have yellow or orange on their cheeks. They have greenish-grey legs and horn-colored beaks with black ends.
• The Amazon Blue-fronted is a medium-sized parrot with a yellow face and a green body. The beak has blue feathers, while the shoulders have yellow and red spots. Their beaks and feet have a dark gray color.
• Amazons with white and blue patches on their foreheads are white-fronted Amazons. They have vivid red rings around their eyes, earning them the nickname “spectacled Amazons,” as well as light blue areas on their chests and bellies and deep blue and red margins on their wings.
• The Amazon Yellow-naped is a large green bird with a black beak and a brilliant yellow pat (the back of its neck). This bird has tiny yellow feathers on the head and around the neck, primarily shimmering green.
• Mealy Amazons are primarily green, with deeper colors near the top of the body and a brighter lime green near the tail. The grey-green pattern along the nape of the neck and back distinguishes them from other parrots. The name “mealy” comes from the bird’s appearance being sprinkled with flour.
• The calls of Cuban amazons are characterized by a wide range of piercing screeches and strident, metallic shrieks. Some rings have been compared to braying donkeys and others to protracted, scolding “Yaaart yaaart.”

Where Do They Come From?

• French naturalists first recorded Amazon parrots in 1830.
• The name “Amazon” is derived from the mistaken belief that the birds could only be found in the Amazon jungle.
• Most Amazon parrots are native to South and Central America, but some are also found in Central America (Mexico) and the Caribbean.
• These parrots live in various ecosystems, though many share a habitat with other Amazons. 
• They follow the natural rhythms of their environment.
• Amazon parrots are native to areas near the equator, thriving in warmer, humid conditions. They can be found in the forest, rainforest, woodlands, and savannas.
• Their environment can also vary seasonally. Amazon parrots are considered strong fliers in the wild, capable of flying long distances at high altitudes. Some species can be found in mountainous areas, while others can be found in lowlands or near sea level.
• Amazons prefer to sleep and eat in the canopy of the trees. They construct their nests by eating holes in trees. 
• The wild population of Amazon parrots is threatened, primarily due to habitat loss caused by deforestation. Illegal trapping has also contributed to the population collapse of numerous Amazon species.

Amazon Parrots as Pets

• Amazon parrots are becoming increasingly popular as pets due to their engaging behavior and stunning looks. 
• Many consider it to be the most trainable of all parrots.
• It is a self-sufficient bird that enjoys a wide range of exciting activities. As a result, it is preferable to give it toys for exercise and entertainment.
• They are bright and easy to train, but they require a dedicated owner prepared to provide adequate attention and care. Since this bird has great speech capacity, it can become a good mimic if it has an owner who can spend a significant amount of time talking and interacting with the bird.
• It can be very noisy and destructive. The bird must sleep for at least 10 hours per day, or it will become grumpy and hostile.
• Amazon parrots can quickly adjust to their environment and their cage. It is a very busy bird that will gain weight if it does not get enough activity. Therefore, as a result, the cage should have enough room for play and exercise. The bird frequently develops a musky odor that some people find uncomfortable.

Amazon Parrots’ Diet

• In the wild, Amazon parrots eat seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and vegetation. Instead of flying, they will eat by crawling from branch to branch. They appreciate the fruits of the African oil palm tree that grows naturally in their region.

Amazon Parrot Pet Challenges

• Upper respiratory disorders are widespread in Amazon parrots, many of which are caused by vitamin A insufficiency caused by an all-seed diet. Furthermore, like most birds on high-fat, all-seed diets, they are prone to obesity, fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis (cholesterol deposits in arteries), stroke, and heart disease.
• Amazon parrots may feather-pick, especially their wings and legs, due to psychological stress and sexual frustration. The condition, Amazon foot necrosis syndrome, affects Amazon parrots and has no recognized etiology. Amazon parrots with this syndrome mutilate the skin on their legs and feet, causing severe bleeding and tissue damage.
• Amazon parrots, like African grey parrots, enjoy long lives and acquire cancer in numerous organs. Cloacal papillomas (warts) found frequently in older Amazon parrots also appear in their mouths. Also, epilepsy affects some Amazon parrots.

Did You Know?

• The name “kriken” stems from the French word “screechers,” which was given to Amazon parrots when they were first discovered.
• The Sisserou Parrot (Amazona imperialis) is featured on Dominica’s national flag with only about 200 remaining in the wild.
• The Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, and St. Lucia have all issued coins with Amazon parrots on them.
• Orange-winged Amazon parrots have been classified crop pests in some locations due to their preference for cultivated crops, particularly cocoa. 
• When an Amazon parrot fans its tail, dilates its eyes, and raises the feathers on its head, you should be cautious or risk getting bitten!
• During his journey in the New World, Christopher Columbus came across Amazon parrots and brought a pair of them back to Europe as a present for Queen Isabella.
• Amazon parrots are known for their exceptional singing abilities. These parrots can mimic human speech and become “talking birds.”
• The Amazon parrot’s most distinguishing feature is its colorful feathers.

Amazon Parrot Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Amazon Parrots across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about Amazon Parrots, which are clever and beautiful birds known for their singing and conversational abilities.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

• Amazon Parrots Facts
• Way Back Home
• Name My Body Parts
• Who Am I?
• Snack Time
• Let’s Find Out More
• Paint on Me
• Guess the Word
• Word Hunt
• Let’s Play Puzzle
• Fix the Word

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Amazon parrots good pets?

Amazon parrots can make wonderful pets because of their outgoing and playful personality, and talking and singing abilities. But because of their intelligence, noise level, and lifespan, they come with challenges and are best suited for experienced parrot owners.

Can Amazon parrots talk?

Amazon parrots can talk and sing! They can pick up words and melodies quickly and enjoy practicing them a lot. They are known for being very loud.

What is the lifespan of an Amazon parrot?

Amazon parrots have a long lifespan which poses advantages and disadvantages. An Amazon parrot that is well-cared for can live between 40-70 years long.

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