Yellow-naped Amazon

The Yellow-naped Amazon Amazona auropalliata, is also known as the Golden Yellow-naped Amazon. This Amazon parrot has been kept as a pet for over 100 years. As early as 1842 they were reported as being kept by the Central American Indians because of their pleasing personalities. They are the ultimate in affection, clever and obedient, and gentle. They actually think of themselves as "little people"! This Amazon is mostly a green birds, but gets its name from a bright yellow patch that develops on the nape of the neck. The Golden Yellow-naped Amazon is very similar to several other Amazon species that also develop yellow markings. One of these very popular Amazons is the Double Yellow-headed Amazon Amazona oratrix. Its entire head rather than just the nape becomes yellow. Another is the the Yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocepha that develops a patch of yellow the crown. When they are young it is difficult to tell any of these yellow marked Amazons apart. The yellow markings develop as they age over a period of about four years. Besides color there are some other differences between these parrots. They differ from each other in things like body size, temperament, and talking ability. It's important to know which Amazon you are getting so you know what to expect. The Yellow-naped Amazon is considered to be an excellent all around bird. It is very popular as a great pet and can be one of the better talkers. Besides being quite intelligent, which makes them easy to tame and train, they are very fun and affectionate. This pet parrot is very social and enjoys the company of people as well as other birds. They will form very strong bonds with their owner, becoming fast friends and exhibit total confidence. They are also a hardy robust bird and can do well in either a cage or an aviary. "Mia (seen above) is quite a singer! She uses sentences appropriately such as "What's up?" when you come in to greet her. She is an absolute joy, and she will let anyone take her OUT of her cage. On top of all this, she is drop dead gorgeous, and she knows it"... Lisa. To learn more about Mia, visit: "Mia, The Yellow-naped Amazon"

Yellow-crowned Amazon

The Yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocepha, also known as the Yellow-fronted Amazon, is a very well known bird and a popular pet. Like other Amazons, its general plumage is green with a forehead that is also green, but yielding to a yellow marking on the crown. The Yellow-crowned Amazon is one of several very similar Amazons with yellow on the head or neck. Sometimes it has been referred to as the Single Yellow-headed Amazon. This was to differentiate it from the Double Yellow-headed Amazon Amazona oratrix, whose entire head and nape becomes yellow. Another is the Yellow-naped Amazon Amazona auropalliata, whoses yellow markings are found only on the nape of the neck rather than the crown. This Yellow-crowned Amazon is even more easily confused with the Panama Amazon Amazona o. panamensis. The Panama is another member of the ochrocepha group and a subspecies of the Yellow-crowned. These two are very similar but the green plumage of the Panama is a bit darker shade, it is slightly smaller and doesn't have the reddish orange spot on the upper part of the beak which the Yellow-crowned parrot has. It can be difficult to tell any of these Amazon birds apart when they are juveniles. Their yellow markings develop slowly with each molt over a period of about four years. Besides color, there are some other differences between these parrots as well. They differ in such things as body size, temperament, and talking ability too. It's good to know which pet bird you get so you can know what to expect. The Yellow-fronted Amazon is a very fun, smart and affectionate parrot. These birds are quite intelligent so are easy to tame and train. They will quickly begin to mimic sounds and can become a very good talker. Being very social, they enjoy companionship and become fast friends with their owner. They are a very robust bird and do well in either a cage or an aviary. Yellow-fronted Amazons like interaction but are quite content to entertain themselves for hours at a time just playing with their toys. This is an active bird and needs plenty of toys. It also likes to climb, so adding a hanging perch mounted above a playpen is great.

White-fronted Amazon

The White-fronted Amazon Amazona albifrons, is also known as the Spectacled Amazon and the White-browed Amazon. It is the is the smallest of the Amazon parrots, but is totally clueless in this regard. It is a favorite pet bird for its attractive plumage, playfulness, and excellent talking ability. This bird will delight and entertain you with its very large and bold personality. This dynamic little amazon is totally unconscious of its small size. The Spectacled Amazon is only about 10 inches (26 cm) long. They are very amusing with their adventuresome antics. They are very agile and avid about chewing, so need lots of toys and places to climb. These Amazons make a good pet for adults and children alike. They are fairly good talkers and are quieter than their larger cousins. Like all amazons though, they can be a bit noisy and may not be suitable for apartment life. The White-fronted Amazon is one of only two of the 27 amazons species that can be sexed visually. The female is similar to the male but without a red edge on the wing. The other amazon that can be visually sexed is the Yellow-lored Amazon Amazona Xantholora, but this parrot is rarely seen in the pet industry. Like most amazons these little birds are very social, enjoying the companionship of people as well as other amazons. They make a wonderful companion. They do need to be well socialized at a young age to different people and new situations, or as they age they can become shy. This can lead to problems of fright and stress, resulting in undesirable behaviors. The White-browed Amazon will form very strong bonds with their owners, becoming fast friends and exhibit total confidence. They are also a hardy robust bird and can do well in either a cage along with an out-of-the-cage playpen, or kept in an aviary.

Red-lored Amazon Parrot

The colorful face of the Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis, also called the Yellow Cheek Amazon, has inspired many enthusiasts to proclaim it the most beautiful of the Amazons. it is readily apparent from this birds pretty face that these common names are quite fitting. Which ever name you prefer, the lores (and forehead) of this decorative Amazon are definitely red and its cheeks are definitely yellow. This beautiful amazon is a pleasant, social parrot that enjoys its human companions. The Red-lored Parrot has an amiable personality, displaying less aggression than many of the other popular amazons. It is regarded as a wonderful pet bird that is gentle, affectionate and loyal. The Yellow Cheek Amazons are intelligent pet birds, quick and humorous at play, and you will enjoy their comical antics. In the wild the Yellow Cheek Amazon is quite noisy within its flock, but in captivity it has been noted that they tend to be much quieter. Still this Amazon can be loud at times. Like all Amazons, they will call out an alert first thing in the morning and then again as the sun is setting. These two periods of the day usually last for about 10 minutes. Yet although the Red-lored Amazon parrots can be vocal they are not considered to be the best talkers. Depending on the individual bird, some will be good talkers while others will only say a couple of words. The Red-lored Amazon parrots are very social and enjoy the company of people as well as other birds. They will form very strong bonds with their owner, becoming fast friends and exhibit total confidence. They are also a hardy robust bird and can do well in either a cage along with an out-of-the-cage playpen, or kept in an aviary.

Panama Amazon

The Panama Amazon Amazona panamensis, is also known as the Panama Yellow-fronted Amazon. Though rarer than the other popular amazons, they have become a more popular pet in recent years. This is a subspecies of the Yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala. Both of these Amazons are green birds with a green forehead yielding to a yellow marking on the crown. Their very similar in coloration often leads to confusion. Differences are subtle, with the Panama Amazon being a bit smaller, a darker shade of green, and lacking the reddish-orange spot on the upper mandible (beak) that is seen on the Yellow-fronted Amazon. There are also a couple of other very similar Amazon parrots and it can be difficult to tell any of these Amazon birds apart when they are juveniles. One is the Double Yellow-headed Amazon Amazona oratrix, whose entire head becomes yellow as it matures. Another is the Yellow-naped Amazon Amazona auropalliata, which has yellow markings on the nape of the neck rather than on the crown. The yellow marking on these parrots develop with each molt over a period of about four years. Besides coloring, there are also some other distinctions between these Amazons. They differ in such things as body size, temperament, and talking ability too. Knowing which pet bird you are getting helps you know what to expect. The Panama Yellow-fronted Amazon is quite intelligent, inquisitive, and affectionate. Their high intelligence makes them easy to tame and train. With a naturally playful nature, they will soon become fun and entertaining pet birds They will quickly begin to mimic sounds and become an excellent talker. They are very social, enjoy companionship, and become fast friends with their owner. They make great pets for devoted individuals and families. Panama Amazons are robust birds and will do well in either a cage with a playpen on top, or in an aviary. They are very active birds that like to climb and need plenty of chewing toys. Adding a hanging perch mounted above a playpen is great place for climbing. They do enjoy interaction and spending time with human companions, but enjoy time alone as well. They are quite content to entertain themselves for hours at a time just playing with their toys.

Orange-winged Amazon

The Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica, also known as the Orange-winged Parrot and Loro Guaro, is a very popular pet Amazon. They are very affectionate, attractive, and entertaining parrots. These pet birds are lots of fun, performing all sorts of antics and have a fair talking ability as well. While young, like the juvenile above, they are mostly green with just a few of the pretty yellow and blue feathers. Yet when they mature, they are lively, spectacular colored pet birds. Adults have bright yellow-orange and blue feathering on the face and head, and the bright orange on the wings they are named for. The Orange-winged Amazon has been popular as a pet for over 100 years. Known for being quite friendly, they are easy to tame and quite clever. These parrots also strongly desire the attention of their owners, and will perform all sorts of amusing antics to gain and keep it. They make a wonderful companion and will quickly form a strong bond with their owner, they can however be rather noisy. This is a robust and hardy bird that can do well indoors or outdoors. As is true with all Amazons, the Orange-winged Amazon is very social and enjoys the company of people as well as other birds. They can also be quite independent, and will probably have a favorite in the family. They can become quite attached to one person if not well socialized at a young age. But if well socialized, they will treat other members of the family as part of the flock. The Orange-winged parrot is also prone to a hormonal stage as it matures. This is a good choice for an experienced bird keepers who wants to form a close relationship with a parrot.

Mealy Amazon

The Mealy Amazon Amazona farinosa, is known by a variety of other names including Mealy Parrot, Blue-crowned Mealy Amazon, and Guatemalan Amazon. Mealy Amazons are one of the largest amazons, reaching up to about 15 - 16 inches (38 - 41 cm). This is quite a contrast to the White-fronted Amazon Amazona albifrons, which is only about 10 inches (26 cm) long. The beauty of the Mealy Amazon is more subtle than that of other Amazon birds. It gets the name 'mealy' from the peculiar gray-green coloring of its feathers making it appear to be dusted, like it has been powdered with a light sprinkling of flour. The feathers on the nape are edged in a dusky blue and tipped in black, giving a ruffled appearance to the back of the neck. The tail and some wing feathers are tipped in blue and may have some reds, and there may be a few yellow feathers in the crown. Some have a distinctly violet crown and are referred to as a Blue-crowned Mealy Amazon. Its eyes are unusual, being large and surrounded by a wide unfeathered white ring, which is something more often seen on conures than Amazons. Though not the most colorful or playful, the Mealy Amazon has a number of desirable qualities that sets it apart from other amazons. This hefty fellow, known as the "non-nippy amazon", is definitely one of the more lovable amazons. Big and big in heart, this parrot is non-territorial and has room for all in the family. They will just slowly walk around the home until they find someone who is being still, and then sit at their feet and wait to be picked up. Then they will be content to just sit on a shoulder while you walk around, or just sit and be still. Like most amazons the Mealy Amazon is very social, enjoying the companionship of people as well as other amazons. They make a wonderful calm companion and will quickly form a strong bond with their owner. The Mealy Parrot makes a most delightful pet. It is easy to tame and considered one of the best talkers. They are especially noted for having a very gentle disposition and are mostly quiet and harmonious. They are also quite hardy and robust. They can do well indoors or out, in a cage or an aviary.

Lilacine Amazon

Lilacine Amazon Amazona autumnalis lilacina is also called the Ecuadorian Red-lored Amazon. It is not as well known as many of the Amazon parrots, but those who keep it have found it to have a much easier going temperament. The attitude and behavior of the Lilacine is a trait of this species. This pleasant personality can also be found in its more readily available cousins, such as the Red-lored Amazon Amazona a. autumnalis, the nominate species. The Ecuadorian Red-lored Amazon, just as other Amazons, has a mostly green plumage. Like the other Red-lored Amazons it has red lores contrasting with paler feathers on its crown. it is distinguished by its red band-like lores extending over the eyes. It also varies with cheeks that are a more yellowish-green than yellow. But its most unique characteristic is the coloring seen in the crown feathers. They are green with lilac tips and edged in a reddish-blue, and thus its name lilacina or Lilacine. The Lilacine Amazon is also a slightly smaller Red-Lored Amazon, with a finer appearance to its head. The Lilacine Amazon is regarded as a wonderful pet, being very gentle, affectionate, and loyal. They display less aggressive behavior than many of the other popular amazons. They are known to have a loud call, yet even their call is said to be softer and more pleasant. They are intelligent and quick at play, but are not considered to be the best talkers. Some will be good talkers while others will only say a couple of words. As is true with all Amazons, they are very social and enjoy the company of people as well as other birds. They will form very strong bonds with their owner, becoming fast friends and exhibit total confidence. They are also a hardy robust bird and can do well in either a cage or an aviary.

Lilac-crowned Amazon

The Lilac-crowned Amazon Amazona finschi is also known as Finsch's Amazon. It has been recognized for well over 100 years, documented as early as 1864 by Dr. Otto Finsch. Dr. Finsch wrote well over 400 works on ornithology and this beautiful little amazon parrot is named for him. The name Lilac-crowned comes from its looks. This is one of the smaller amazons reaching about 13" (33 cm) long, but a very colorful bird. The "lilac" namesake comes the pretty lilac colored crown accented by a red brown forehead and lores. The lilac extends onto the neck and circles around its yellow-green cheeks. An Amazon bird with similar type markings and color is the Green-cheeked Amazon A. viridigenalis, yet in comparison each has its unique color and pattern distinctions. The red on Lilac-crowned Amazon is a bit darker and doesn't extend past the eyes. On the Green-cheeked, the red extends past the eyes onto the crown in varying amounts. The Lilac-crowned also has more dramatic appearance to its chest feathering. Edged in black, the feathers look scalloped while the Green-cheek's are more uniform. This dynamic little amazon is a fair talker and makes a fine pet. But though the Lilac-crowned Amazon is affectionate and clever, it is also very lively. This active, energetic birdneeds lots of activities and will do best spending a good portion of its time outside of its cage where it can climb, play, and fly for exercise. They do very well in an aviary which gives them more room on a regular basis. Like most amazons the Finsch's Amazon is very social, enjoying the companionship of people as well as other amazons. They make a wonderful companion and will quickly form a strong bond with their owner.

Green-cheeked Amazon

The Green-cheeked Amazon Amazona viridigenalis is a very attractive parrot originating primarily from Northeast Mexico. Overall it is a darker green Amazon, though a paler green underneath, and has iridescent light green cheeks circled in lilac. Its other descriptive names, Red-crowned Amazon and Mexican Red-headed Parrot, are derived from its vibrant crown of bright scarlet. The Green-cheek Amazon is definitely a more amenable Amazon. It is a pleasant, social Amazon that enjoys its human companions and is not as independent nor as feisty as its cousins. Once in a while it will assert its independence, and when it does it will be obvious. The pupils of their eyes will constrict and light up like little flashlights, this is referred to as the "blazing eye". Its head will come down, the tail feathers will fan out and the wings will extend. This is the Green-cheek Amazons way of saying "just leave me alone", and this usually occurs in breeding season. This is a favorite among bird lovers for its calm but playful nature. These Red-crowned Amazons loved to have the top of their head and the sides of their face petted, and will frequently just lay their head down for you to provide them with this attention. Some of them are talkers, but most are better at mimicking sounds. Green-Cheeked Amazons travel in large flocks in the wild. They are very gregarious, and require regular involvement in the routine of their human flock. Keepers will need to make some adjustments when they add an intelligent creature like this to their home as these parrots will become depressed if neglected. They need to be included. With this pet bird you have a companion for meals or watching television, yes, they do watch television.

Double Yellow-headed Amazon

The Double Yellow-headed Amazon Amazona oratrix, is an extremely intelligent, attractive and entertaining parrot. Also known as the Yellow-headed Amazon and Yellow-headed Parrot, this is a prize bird that is particularly handsome with a high aptitude for speaking. While young these mostly green birds have only a yellow forehead and maybe a dappling of yellow across the rest of the head. The completely yellow head of mature birds takes place through molting over a period of about 4 years. The adult is a lively, spectacular colored pet bird. The Yellow-headed Amazon has been popular as a pet for several 100 years. These birds are very inquisitive. They are definitely not a timid or shy bird and are known to be drama queens/kings. The Double Yellow Headed Amazon will usually attach itself to one member of the family as a mate but will tolerate the other members of the family as part of the flock. Similar to other Amazons they are very sociable and active, but with them it's to an unusual degree. Depending on the individual bird, Double Yellow-headed Amazons can have an incredible vocabulary. They are considered the best talkers of all the Amazon birds, and second only to the African Grey Parrots. These parrots also strongly desire the attention of their owners, and will perform all sorts of amusing antics to gain and keep it. Such things as fanning out their tails, quick wild head movements, turning their head upside down, and rapid in-out dilations of their pupils. This particular amazon can be feisty. Early socialization and training will help alleviate that to a great degree. The Yellow-headed Amazon is very social on the one hand, enjoying its human companion and their company. Yet on the other hand it can be quite independent, needing and wanting alone time and its own territory. A human needs to understand their birds' body language. If they are not in the mood for company or interaction, they will let you know. . Learn when its head is down and its beak and wings are in position, that it means "NO", and if you are persistent you might get nipped. The Yellow-headed Amazon is also prone to a hormonal stage as it matures, which is why they are recommended for an experienced bird owner. With the Double Yellow Head you get the best of both worlds. A parrot that will enjoy the interaction with its human, eating and playing or even watching television. Yet it can also entertain itself without being demanding, content just playing with its toys, for hours at a time.

Blue-fronted Amazon Parrots

The Blue-fronted Amazon Parrots Amazona aestiva are very sociable extroverts, they love to showoff. These pretty birds have long been popular as pets and are one of the most commonly kept Amazon species. They are mentioned in literature written well over 100 years ago. It is an attractive bird with vivid coloring as an adult, yet each adult will have its own feathering pattern. It is known to have one of the longest life spans, 40 plus years, with the potential of reaching nearly a century in captivity. This is an intelligent parrot that can be trained to perform tricks and to talk. Comical and entertaining, the Blue-Front Parrot is a bird that you will frequently see in live animal acts. They love to learn and they even can sing. They definitely love music. They can speak and some Blue-fronted Amazons speak just as well as the yellow Amazon parrots like the Double Yellow-headed Amazon Amazona oratrix, or the Yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala. The Blue-Front Amazon can be quite independent, but it is one of the easier going Amazons. It will probably have a favorite in the family, however will normally consider the entire family to be part of its flock and behave accordingly. Yet it can become quite attached to one person and if it is not socialized well, will frequently dive bomb anything it feels is a threat to its human. In general all Amazons can be quite protective of their human counterparts. It is important to socialize this parrot starting at a young age. This is a calmer amazon and fun to watch. Blue-fronted Amazons like interaction but are quite content to entertain themselves for hours at a time just playing with their toys. The Blue-Front gets along quite well with other birds. It is usually non-aggressive although the males might get a little territorial during breeding season or molting.

Amazon Parrots

The Amazon Parrots, often simply called Amazons or Amazon birds, are some of the most popular pet birds. They are medium to large parrots belonging to genus Amazona, and originally called Green Parrots. They are mostly green birds, but with splashes of bright color on or around their head as well as their wings and tail feathers. They are long lived, up to 50 years or more in a good environment. Amazons are intelligent handsome birds, renown for their talking ability, have outgoing personalities, and are very social. They adapt quickly to their cage and can be quite playful, with a dexterous agility for climbing about their cage or playpen. Their personality is such that they will form a close, loving bond with their keeper and become a life-long companion. All these great qualities make Amazon Parrots highly sought after, but owners of these parrots need to be very committed. Amazons are generally calm and reasonable, but their personalities are quite complex. Living with an Amazon is similar to living a 2-year-old child in temperament and ability, and for 50-plus years. But they are not children, they are parrots with instinctive, natural behaviors developed to survive in nature. They need a stimulating environment that provides activities, such as climbing areas and chewing toys to keep them content. They can be quite vocal too, but normally as the sun is rising and setting. Amazons require a keeper that is willing to provide training, socialization, and a good amount of attention. The list of Amazon parrots below includes popular Amazon birds as well lesser known species. Each bird guide provides in-depth information about them, and about living with them. Amazon care covers diet and feeding, housing needs, activity requirements, and bird behaviors; with tips for handling and training Amazon birds, along with breeding information.

Peach-faced Lovebird

The Peach-faced Lovebirds are one of three lovebird species that are very popular, affectionate, and readily available. The others are the Masked Lovebird and the Fischer's Lovebird varieties. If you obtain a hand-raised Peach-faced Lovebird you will have an incredibly affectionate friend. It is a most playful, intelligent, and amusing little bird. This small parrot is also an excellent beginners bird; being relatively hardy, easy to care for, a willing breeder, and reasonably priced. The Peach-faced Lovebirds are very social and love companionship. Their natural behavior is to live closely with a companion so are often kept with another lovebird. Though they make a very fine and affectionate pet when hand-raised, they will need a lot of attention if kept singly. Most are kept in pairs to satisfy their considerable need for constant companionship, mutual preening, and socialization.

Lutino Lovebird

The most popular mutation of Peach-faced Lovebird is the Lutino Lovebird, followed closely in popularity by the beautiful Dutch Blue Lovebird. Both of these birds have all the wonderful charm and characteristics of the Peach-faced, being active, playful, and amusing. They are intelligent little birds and make a wonderful companion and friend. The Lutino Lovebird makes a great beginner bird as they are relatively hardy, easy to care for, and will readily breed. A hand-raised Lutino Lovebird is an incredibly affectionate and fun companion. As they are quite intelligent and aware, even an untamed lovebird will watch it's caretaker with curiosity and readily interact. They are also very brave little birds, and like a child, much be supervised carefully when out of their cage to make sure they don't get themselves into trouble. The Lutino Lovebirds are very social and love companionship. Their natural behavior is to live closely with a companion so are often kept with another lovebird. Though they make a very fine and affectionate pet when hand-raised, they will need a lot of attention if kept singly. Most are kept in pairs to satisfy their considerable need for constant companionship, mutual preening, and socialization.

Fischer's Lovebird

Though not quite as common as the Peach-faced Lovebird or the Masked Lovebird varieties, this handsome lovebird with its pleasant warm coloring and affectionate personality, has become quite popular. This little bird will delight and amuse you with it's playful and amusing antics. They are active intelligent little birds and make a wonderful companion and friend. An excellent beginners bird, the Fischer's Lovebird is hardy, easy to care for, and a willing breeder. Typical of all the lovebirds, the Fischer's Lovebird is very social and loves companionship. Their natural behavior is to live closely with a companion so are often kept with another lovebird. Though they make a very fine and affectionate pet when hand-raised, they will need a lot of attention if kept singly. Most are kept in pairs to satisfy their considerable need for constant companionship, mutual preening, and socialization.

Dutch Blue Lovebird

The Dutch Blue Lovebird is a beautiful blue mutation of the Peach-faced Lovebird, and runs a close second in popularity to the lovely Lutino Lovebird, a yellow mutation of the Peach-faced. This little bird has all the wonderful charm and characteristics of the Peach-faced, being active, playful, and amusing. They are intelligent little birds and make a wonderful companion and friend. The Dutch Blue Lovebirds are very social and love companionship. Their natural behavior is to live closely with a companion so are often kept with another lovebird. Though they make a very fine and affectionate pet when hand-raised, they will need a lot of attention if kept singly. Most are kept in pairs to satisfy their considerable need for constant companionship, mutual preening, and socialization.

Blue Masked Lovebird

The Blue Masked Lovebird is a favorite color variety of the Masked Lovebird. Though easily bred in captivity, this attractive variation also occurs naturally in the wild. Friendly and easy to care for, the Blue Masked Lovebird will make a delightful and enjoyable addition to any household. They are relatively hardy and are easy to breed, making them every bit as good a pet as the Peach-faced Lovebird. Some even suggest that they may be a bit calmer, though others say they are just as mischievous. Typical of all the lovebirds, the Blue Masked Lovebird is very social and loves companionship. Their natural behavior is to live closely with a companion so are often kept with another lovebird. Though they make a very fine and affectionate pet when hand-raised, they will need a lot of attention if kept singly. Most are kept in pairs to satisfy their considerable need for constant companionship, mutual preening, and socialization.

Masked Lovebird

A beautiful bird with clear bright coloration, the Masked Lovebird also referred to as the Black Masked Lovebird, makes every bit as good a pet as the Peach-faced Lovebird. Some even suggest that they may be a bit calmer, though others say they are just as mischievous. Either way, they will make a delightful and enjoyable addition to any household. This small parrot is an excellent beginners bird being relatively hardy, easy to care for, a willing breeder, and reasonably priced. It is a most playful, intelligent, and amusing little companion. The Masked Lovebird is very social and loves companionship. Their natural behavior is to live closely with a companion so are often kept with another lovebird. Though they make a very fine and affectionate pet when hand-raised, they will need a lot of attention if kept singly. Most are kept in pairs to satisfy their considerable need for constant companionship, mutual preening, and socialization.

Abyssinian Lovebird Agapornis taranta

Another name for this species is the Black-winged Lovebird. It is found in central and eastern Ethiopia and southern Eritrea, where it inhabits quite high altitudes. The cock is mainly green, with a bright red forehead, which extends into a narrow ring around the eyes. The flight feathers are sooty black and there is a black bar on the tail. The beak is red, the legs and feet are gray. The hen is green all over, darker on the back lacking the red and black markings of the cock. They are occasionally available on the market, but are one of the most difficult species to breed.

Yellow-Collared Macaw

The Yellow-collared Macaw is one of the fabulous "mini" macaws. The name comes from the yellow collar that extends around the back part of the neck. This wonderful little macaw can make a great pet for someone who wants a macaw type bird, but wants a smaller pet. Yellow-collared Macaws are lovable, friendly, and intelligent. When hand reared, it will become quite tame and will affectionately greet you with anticipation. This mini macaw is very lively and loves to play and clown about. Eager to play and enjoy interacting with their keepers, they can be adept at learning some tricks and can also say a few words. Despite their small size however, they can be loud and have a strong, harsh call.

Verde Macaw

The Verde Macaw is a first generation hybrid macaw, meaning its parents are two species of naturally occurring macaws. "Autumn" is a hybrid macaw cross between a Scarlet Macaw and a Buffon's Macaw. The Scarlet Macaw is very beautiful, inquisitive, and intelligent, but a bit more boisterous than other macaws so requires good socialization. The Buffon's Macaw is quite docile and affectionate. This mixture makes for a very intelligent and trainable pet, that can also be an affectionate companion. But it will also need a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures. Hybrid macaws are bred primarily for color. Because hybrid macaws are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. However the behavior and temperament are more unpredictable. Besides being a hybrid that is very attractive, the personality influences of the Verde Macaw are a good mix for an active, lively pet bird. With the intelligence and temperament of both its parents it should also be quite trainable, learn to talk and do tricks, and have an amiable nature. As with all macaws, they will require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets. See hybrid information, breeding combinations, and photos of hybrid macaws on the Hybrid Macaws page.

Tropicana Macaw

Hybrid macaws are bred for color, and the Tropicana Macaw is all about beautiful colors with each one being a potpourri of its own. This macaw is a second generation hybrid macaw. One of its parents, the Scarlet Macaw, is a species of naturally occurring macaws while the other, the Harlequin Macaw, is also a hybrid macaw. Because hybrid macaws are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. Each Tropicana however, is a unique blend of colors inherited from its parentage. This second generation hybrid macaw was developed from these crossings: •1st - Blue and Gold Macaw crossed with a Green-winged Macaw = Harlequin Macaw • 2nd - Harlequin Macaw crossed with a Scarlet Macaw = Tropicana Macaw With the Harlequin Macaw (having a Blue and Gold Macaw and a Green-winged Macaw for parents) you have a macaw that is a real beauty and good natured. The Blue and Gold macaw is renowned not only for its beauty and sweet nature, but also its speaking ability. While the other parent, the strikingly handsome 'gentle giant' Green-winged Macaw, lends its beauty and a very gentle, amiable nature. The wonderful attributes of the Harlequin make it a great parent for the Tropicana Macaw. Crossing the vibrant Harlequin Macaw with the fiery Scarlet Macaw brings even more strong reds into the mix. Because of its beauty, the Scarlet Macaw is one of the most highly favored macaws. This sweet though independent tempered bird has been the best known South American parrot for over 100 years. The Tropicana Macaws inherit all the beautiful coloring of their parentage, as well as a composite of their personalities. The behavior and temperament of hybrid macaws are more unpredictable and uncertain than the coloration. The Tropicana Macaws are hybrid parrots that are very attractive with the intelligence and temperaments of their parents. The Tropicana can learn to talk and have an amiable nature, though the Scarlet influence may also introduce a bit of an indomitable spirit. As with all macaws, they will require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets. See hybrid information, breeding combinations, and photos of hybrid macaws on the Hybrid Macaws page.

Starlight Macaw

The Starlight Macaw is a hybrid macaw whose parents are a Scarlet Macaw and a Miligold Macaw. One of its parents, the Scarlet Macaw, is a species of naturally occurring macaws while the other, the Miligold Macaw, is also a hybrid macaw. Hybrid macaws are bred for color, and this bird demonstrates some very strong color influences from its parentage. Because hybrid macaws are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. The Starlight Macaw pictured above has a Scarlet Macaw father and a Miligold mother. The Starlight Macaw is a second generation hybrid macaw and was developed from these crossings: •1st - Blue and Gold Macaw crossed with a Military Macaw = Miligold Macaw • 2nd - Miligold Macaw crossed with a Scarlet Macaw = Harligold Macaw. One of the Starlight's parents, the Miligold Macaw (which is a cross of the Military Macaw and Blue and Gold Macaw) is a hybrid macaw that is a good natured beauty. The MIligold's Blue and Gold parent is a very popular macaw, known for its sweet nature and talking ability. Its other parent, the Military Macaw is also a favorite pet because of its good temperament, intelligence and trainability. The wonderful attributes of the Miligold make it a great parent for the Starlight Macaw. Crossing the gorgeous Miligold Macaw with the fiery Scarlet Macaw brings a strong vibrant red coloration into the mix. Because of its beauty, the Scarlet Macaw is one of the most highly favored macaws. This sweet though independent tempered bird has been the best known South American parrot for over 100 years. The Starlight Macaw inherits all beautiful coloring of its parentage, as well as a composite of their personalities. "Cross between a Miligold female and a Scarlet male. Wonderful, sweet dispsition. More dark orange to red than a Catalina"... Sherry M. Glaser The behavior and temperament of hybrid macaws are more unpredictable and uncertain than the coloration. Starlight Macaws are a hybrid parrot that is very colorful with the intelligence and temperament of its parents. The Starlight should be quite trainable, learning to talk and do tricks. This macaw can be a very affectionate, inquisitive, and fun companion, but may also have inherited a strong personality. As with all macaws, the Starlight Macaw will require good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures. See hybrid information, breeding combinations, and photos of hybrid macaws on the Hybrid Macaws page.

Shamrock Macaw

The Shamrock Macaw is a very popular pet bird with two very popular types of macaws as its parents. The Scarlet Macaw, one of the most highly favored macaws, is described as "beautiful and striking". The Scarlet has been the best known South American parrot for over 100 years. The other parent, the Military Macaw, is also a long time favorite pet macaw with a good temperament, very trainable and highly intelligent. Hybrid macaws are bred for color. Shamrock Macaws are a first generation hybrid macaw, meaning its parents are two species of naturally occurring macaws. Because they are a mixture of more than one type of macaw, the offspring are influenced by the traits and characteristics of both of its parents. Father's have the dominant gene, so this will generally influence the offspring's coloration and overall appearance. The Shamrock inherits its striking coloration from these two attractive parents, the Scarlet influence providing lots of contrasting reds to the greener tones of the Military. The behavior and temperament of hybrid macaws are more unpredictable and uncertain than the coloration. The personality of a Scarlet is such that it requires good socialization and a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures. The Shamrock can have these characteristics, but it can also have the good nature, intelligence and trainability of the Military Macaw mixed in. It can be a very affectionate, inquisitive, and fun pet that is beautiful. As with all macaws however, they will require good socialization and consistent training to make good pets.

Severe Macaw

The Severe Macaw makes a wonderful pet for if you want the macaw personality, but in a smaller size. The Severe Macaw is a very clownish and lively little mini macaw. They are small and easy to handle, and a hand raised Severe Macaw is very social and affectionate. Though there aren't as many of these birds as some of the other macaws, they are ready breeders and are becoming a bit more available. Severe Macaws are eager to play and enjoy interacting with their keepers. Adept at learning some tricks, they can also be pretty fair talkers. These mini macaws are very loyal, and do tend to become a one person bird unless well socialized as babies with continued handling on a daily basis

Scarlet Macaw

The Scarlet Macaw Ara macao is one of the most magnificent of the Macaw species. This large Macaw has a long history as a companion to humans, dating back to the early 1100's with the Incas. They are described as magnificent, beautiful, and striking, as well as gaudy by some. Early authors like P. Slud, in his work "The Birds of Costa Rica: Distribution and Ecology" (1964), remarks that when feeding in the treetops, they adorn the foliage like gigantic, gaudy flowers. Wetmore, in "A Collection of Birds from Guatacaste, Costa Rico" (1944), described them as glowing with color in the morning sun.

A brilliantly adorned parrot, the Scarlet Macaw is truly a fantastic spectacle of color. It is a large Macaw and very similar in appearance to the Green-winged Macaw Ara chloroptera. Both of these parrots having a large amount of red in their feathering. The Scarlet Macaw is distinguished by the broad band of yellow feathers running across the middle of its wings, rather than the green band as seen on the Green Wing. Like the Green-winged, most of its body, head, and upper wings are a bright red, but it is noticeably a lighter shadeof red than that on the Green Wing. It is also slightly smaller than the Green-winged, and a bit more boisterous in personality.

A variety of common names, descriptive of their coloring, have been used for both of these Macaw parrots. Names for the Ara macao included Red Macaw, Red and Gold Macaw, Red and Yellow Macaw, Red Yellow Blue Macaw, and Scarlet Macaw. The Ara chloroptera has been described by a range of names from Green-winged Macaw, Green Wing Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Red and Blue Macaw, Crimson Macaw, and Maroon Macaw. It was in 1949, when a Dr. Osmond Hill, after careful researched of all available materials on these species, suggested that everything be simplified. He suggested that Ara macao simply be called the "Scarlet Macaw", and Ara chloroptera simply be called the "Green-winged Macaw". These are the two common names primarily used for each of these Macaw species today.

In the last couple of decades there have been new developments in the taxonomy of the Scarlet. Geographic variations of this species show slight discrepancies in size and color and suggests three possible subspecies. Common names for these variants include the Yellow-winged Macaw, Honduran Scarlet Macaw, and Bolivian Scarlet Macaw. These variants are described in more detail below.

The Scarlet Macaw is very beautiful, inquisitive, and intelligent. Scarlet Macaw's are eager learners and can be taught a variety of tricks. They can be quite talented as a talker, though generally not quite as adept as the Blue and Gold Macaw. Scarlet's can learn about 5 to 10 words or phrases while the Blue and Gold can learn around 15 to 20. Like all Macaws, it has a loud call and it may be quite vocal at times.

This is a lively bird that loves to play and interact. It can also be quite flamboyant and boisterous in personality. The personality of a Scarlet is such that it requires good socialization at a young age. It requires a firm consistent hand in training, especially as it matures. The well socialized Scarlet Macaw is extremely social, and will be very friendly and confident with a number people. However, this Macaw takes a dedicated and determined keeper to reach and maintain its potential as a great pet bird.