Yellow-headed Amazon: Care, Feeding & Breeding Guide

The Yellow-headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix), also known as the Double Yellow-headed Amazon, is a vibrant and endangered parrot native to Mexico and northern Central America. Known for their striking yellow heads and lively green bodies, these parrots inhabit mangrove forests and riverine woodlands, making them fascinating and charismatic members of the parrot family.

Adults typically measure 36-43 cm long and weigh around 500 grams. Their bright green plumage is offset by a yellow head, dark markings on the neck, red wing patches, and yellow thighs. Mexican birds typically have white eye rings, while others may have greyer rings. These social birds live in pairs or small groups and, due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade, their numbers have declined by up to 90% in some areas. Despite this, small introduced populations exist in places like Stuttgart, Germany, and parts of California.

Responsible Ownership and Keeping Yellow-headed Amazons

Ensuring your Yellow-headed Amazon is legally captive-bred with appropriate ringing and paperwork is essential due to strict laws protecting wild populations. These parrots are renowned for their exceptional talking abilities, second only to the African Grey in mimicking human speech, making them delightful companions for experienced bird owners.

They generally avoid typical nervous behaviours such as feather plucking but may exhibit hormonal aggression, especially males during breeding season. We recommend keeping them only if you have considerable experience with parrots. Regular exercise outside their cage—ideally 3 to 4 hours daily—is necessary to prevent obesity and maintain their health. Provide plenty of toys to stimulate their curious nature and prevent destructive behaviour typical of parrots exploring with their beaks. Parrot-proofing living areas is strongly advised.

Housing should consist of the largest, strongest cage you can manage, with sturdy bars capable of resisting their powerful beaks. Because they can be escape artists, safety precautions are vital. Fresh food and water access without needing to place your hand in the cage during times of aggression is a wise measure for owner safety.

Yellow-headed Amazons enjoy bathing; a shower room perch or regular misting with warm water is beneficial for their plumage.

For aviary setups, a suspended design is recommended to avoid entering the birds’ territory during cleaning or maintenance, reducing stress and potential aggression. The aviary should be at least 4m long by 1.2m wide and 1.2m high, with half the roof wire-covered and the other solid to protect against weather. Use strong-gauge wire, and if multiple pairs are nearby, solid barriers must separate their spaces to prevent aggressive interactions.

Feeding Your Yellow-headed Amazon

A balanced diet is critical. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and soaked pulses such as beans or peas should comprise around 40% of their diet. Vitamin A rich foods like carrots, peppers, broccoli, and cooked sweet potatoes support their health. They also enjoy seeds such as dandelion and sow thistle, as well as fruits like grapes, pumpkin, apples, and pomegranates. Nuts like pecans and almonds can be treats but should be given in moderation due to fat content. Puzzle feeders can offer mental enrichment while providing these treats.

High-quality seed mixes and pellets should form the rest of their diet. Avoid obesity through careful portion control and encourage natural behaviours via interactive feeding.

Breeding Yellow-headed Amazons

Among amazon species, the Yellow-headed Amazon is considered one of the easiest to breed in captivity. Their breeding season in the UK climate typically runs from February through July. Nesting boxes measuring about 12 x 12 x 24 inches are suitable. Females lay 3-4 eggs incubated for 24-26 days. Chicks fledge at approximately 10-12 weeks.

Hand-rearing is possible with special formulas designed for parrot chicks, including macaws. Breeders recommend careful monitoring during the breeding season to manage hormonal aggression and ensure the welfare of parents and chicks.

Conclusion

The Yellow-headed Amazon is a delightful, intelligent, and vocal companion for the experienced parrot keeper. Their charismatic personalities come with the challenge of managing aggressive behaviour during breeding and the need for significant social interaction and care.

If you have ample experience and the resources necessary to provide a stimulating and secure environment, these parrots can form strong bonds and thrive in captivity. Responsible ownership and purchasing from reputable sources support conservation efforts and protect wild populations of this captivating species.