The Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot (Amazona auropalliata) is one of the most popular Amazon parrot species, famous for its exceptional talking ability, intelligence, and playful personality. Named for the distinctive yellow patch on the back of its neck, this parrot is native to Central America, including southern Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot Characteristics
Size: 14–15 inches (35–38 cm) in length.
Weight: 480–680 grams.
Lifespan: 50–70+ years with proper care.
Color: Vibrant green body with a bright yellow patch on the nape of the neck.
Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, vocal, and social.
Yellow-naped Amazon Pictures
Personality and Behavior
Yellow-naped Amazons are highly intelligent, interactive, and playful parrots, known for their clear speech and mimicry. They often bond deeply with their owners, enjoying daily interaction, training, and mental challenges.
While affectionate, they can also be territorial or moody, especially during breeding season, requiring owners to understand parrot body language.
They can be loud, with morning and evening vocalization sessions, making them best suited for owners who can tolerate noise.
Without sufficient stimulation, they may develop behavioral issues such as feather plucking, screaming, or aggression.
Diet and Feeding
A balanced, varied diet is critical for Yellow-naped Amazons:
Pellets: Should form the foundation of their diet.
Fresh vegetables: Leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, squash.
Fruits (moderation): Apples, mango, berries, melon.
Nuts and seeds: For healthy fats and enrichment, given sparingly.
Fresh, clean water daily.
Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and salty/sugary foods.
Care Requirements
- Cage size: Spacious cage, minimum 36” x 24” x 48” with strong bars.
- Exercise: At least 4 hours of out-of-cage time daily for exercise and stimulation.
- Enrichment: Chew toys, foraging activities, puzzle feeders, and training to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Social needs: Require daily interaction with owners to prevent loneliness.
- Hygiene: Regular cage cleaning and opportunities for bathing or misting.
- Veterinary care: Annual avian vet check-ups for health monitoring.
Common Health Problems
Yellow-naped Amazons may face:
- Obesity: Due to a high-fat diet and insufficient exercise.
- Feather plucking: From stress or lack of mental stimulation.
- Vitamin A deficiency: Common if diet lacks fresh vegetables.
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD): Requires monitoring.
Regular monitoring of your parrot’s weight, feather condition, and behavior is essential for early detection of health concerns.
Price and Where to Buy
- Price range: $1,500–$3,500 USD depending on age, breeder, and region.
- Where to buy:
- Reputable breeders specializing in hand-raised Amazon parrots.
- Avian specialty stores with health documentation.
- Parrot rescue organizations (Yellow-naped Amazons are sometimes rehomed due to their lifespan and care needs).
Owning a Yellow-naped Amazon is a lifelong commitment requiring consistent care, attention, and enrichment.
Are Yellow-naped Amazons Good Pets?
Yellow-naped Amazons can be wonderful pets for experienced bird owners who can provide daily social interaction, training, and mental enrichment.
They are affectionate, intelligent, and exceptional talkers, often forming strong bonds with their owners.
However, they require structured routines, time, patience, and acceptance of their vocal nature to thrive.
Conservation Note
The Yellow-naped Amazon is classified as Endangered due to habitat loss and illegal trapping. Always purchase from ethical, captive-bred sources or consider adoption to support conservation and responsible ownership.thical, captive-bred sources or consider adoption to support responsible parrot care and conservation.