The Yellow-naped Amazon

Facts

The Yellow-naped Parrot or Yellow-naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata) is an Amazon parrot now often considered to be a subspecies of Yellow-crowned Amazon, Amazona ochrocephala (Gmelin, 1788). It is found along the Pacific coast from southern Mexico south to northern Costa Rica. It is distinguished by its green forehead and crown and a yellow band across the lower nape (back part of neck) and hind neck. The beak is dark grey and is paler towards the base of the upper mandible. The feet are also dark grey.

In common with many parrot species, it feeds on nuts, berries, seeds, and fruit. Deforestation is reducing the number of these parrots in the wild together with illegal removal of young for the pet trade. This parrot readily mimics sounds, and in captivity this includes humans, which is probably the reason it is popular in the pet trade. Like all parrots, however, mimic abilities vary greatly between individuals and species. A rare blue mutation of the Yellow-naped Amazon is known to exist, in which the entire body is turquoise in color.

Yellow-naped Amazons are highly sought after for their talking ability and playful personalities. They are also known for nest-protective behaviors that often lead them to bite. This is particularly common in, but not limited to, males during breeding season.

Amazons measure from 10 to 15 inches long and can live up to 60 years.

Care and Feeding

Specialized pelleted diets are highly recommended and should consist of 60–70% of the diet; use fortified seeds in moderation as they are higher in fat and less nutritious than pellets Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, mangoes, bananas, cantaloupe, papayas, broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and  Clean, fresh, filtered and chlorine-free water changed daily. Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems.

If your bird is used to a seed diet, convert to pellets gradually. Fresh pellets or seeds and fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should always be available. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be given daily; discard when not eaten within 24 hours; Amazons appreciate quality and variety in their food.

Obesity is a common problem in Amazons, so their diets must be carefully regulated.

Birds acclimate well to average household temperatures; be cautious of extreme temperature change; cage should be placed off the floor in an area that is well-lit and away from drafts A cage approximately 32" W x 23" D, with metal bars spaced no greater than 3/4" apart, makes a good home for your Amazon; as with all animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible; a flight cage is strongly recommended Perches should be at least 9" long and 1" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with cage paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning; to avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches.

Amazons often talk, sing and enjoy showing off their skills; they can be quite loud. They form strong bonds with humans and need lots of interaction and time outside of their cage; they need a variety of toys to keep them entertained.

Clean and disinfect the cage and perches regularly; replace substrate or cage liner weekly or more often if needed; replace food and water daily.

Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly.

Ensure that there are no cage parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead and lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird.

Provide a bowl of filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done; as an alternative, mist the bird with water or a grooming spray.

Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird.

Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird.