Yellow-faced Parrots
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The semi-nomadic Yellow-faced Parrot (Amazona xanthops / Salvatoria xanthops) is found in eastern and central Brazil and occasionally in Bolivia, where they prefer semi-arid scrubland habitats with low trees (cerrado). Their numbers are declining and they have already disappeared in large areas of its former range.
Previously, this species was placed within the genus Amazona and was sometimes called the Yellow-faced Amazon. Recent research showed that this species is much closer related to the Short-tailed Parrot (Graydidascalus brachyurus) and to the members of the genus Pionus. Their personality is supposed to be comparable to the Pionus parrot as well.
Description:
These parrots average 10.5 ins (27 cm) in length. Their plumage is mostly green, edged with dark green. The forehead, lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird's head), crown and ear-coverts are variably yellow, some older birds have entire head and abdomen yellow to orange; edge of wing yellowish-green. Front of forehead in many birds bare with plucked appearance. The tail is green with greenish-yellow tips; outer tail feathers with broad orange-red band. The bill is horn-colored with black base and their irises are yellow. The feet are greyish-flesh color and their cere pink.
Immatures have less yellow on head and abdomen, and their irises are dark.
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Amazon ownership generally presents multiple challenges, such as excessive chewing, biting or voicing - especially at certain stages in their life.
Even a young bird that has not been neglected and abused requires proper guidance; this becomes even more challenging when it involves a rescued bird that may require rehabilitation.
Behavioral challenges that amazon present may include:
- Excessive Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined parrots will chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach an amazon parrot what is fine to chew on and what is "off-limits."
- Biting & Hormonal Behavior:
Dominant Behavior: Amazon Parrots, as most parrots, are likely to discover their beaks as a method of "disciplining us" once they are out of the "baby stage." It really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established.- Training is vital to stop this aggressive behavior.
Hormonal Aggression: Amazon parrots are also known for their "hormonal" aggression phase. This phase usually appears between the ages of 5 to 12 years. During this time there will be one to two years in which they are likely to be very aggressive. Fortunately, once they go through this, they generally settle down with little or no aggression shown outside the breeding season - with some aggression, but to a lesser degree, when they are in breeding condition.
Amazons going through that stage are difficult to handle for many but the most experienced amazon owners. Species such as Lilac Crowns and Mealies are less excitable than other amazon species during the breeding season. Females tend to be calmer than males during this phase. An attack by a hormonal male can be vicious and will not be limited to one bite.
Many bird owners are bewildered by the fact that their previously so cuddly pet suddenly turns on them - their primary caretakers. To add insult to injury, their pet may pick another family member as their favorite. Dr. Jill Patt describes this being similar to a wild bird leaving its parents and choosing a mate. She suggests the following ways of dealing with it:
- Understand that this is a natural behavior.
- Have the family member the bird has picked limit their interaction with your bird, spend time with the bird when that family member is absent, and ensure that only you are the one to provide all favorite treats and activities.
- The environment can also be altered somewhat to attempt to reduce breeding behavior. Limiting the daylight hours to mimic a winter sun will often help.
- In some instances, the vet may prescribe drugs that balance out a pet's hormones.
- Click here for more information on reducing hormonal behavior in birds.
- Calling / Voicing / Screaming: Not everybody can tolerate the natural loud call of an amazon, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching. Amazon parrots are excellent talkers though, and their natural loud call can be replaced with human speech with a little bit of training. Fortunately, they are quick learners.
Training and behavioral guidance will help your pet be the kind of companion you want it to be ...
- AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:
- Amazon General Information
- What Bird Fits Into My Lifestyle
- Procuring your Parrot
- BREEDERS:
- Recommended Breeders
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- BREEDERS:
- The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy
- Housing Your Bird ... Grooming
- Bird Nutrition ... Most yellow-faced amazon parrots in the wild live on seeds, tree fruits and plant material. In captivity, various fruit and vegetables, particularly orange, banana, peach and apple; fresh rowan and elder berries; half-ripe maize; rosehips; seed mix of safflower, wheat, hemp seeds*, oats, paddy rice, buckwheat and cooked mung beans; sprouted sunflower; some pine-nuts; greenfood; regular mineral supplements; white bread and biscuit for rearing; during acclimatization difficult to accustom birds to varied diet.
- *Hemp seeds are often referred to as "super-seeds" as they offer a complete amino acid profile, have an ideal balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and provide an impressive amount of trace minerals - they also have the highest concentration of protein in the plant kingdom.)
- To learn more about the diet of the captive Amazon Parrot, please visit this webpage.
- Parrot Products
Breeding has seldom been achieved in captivity. The basic requirement would be a compatible pair that needs to be isolated during the breeding season due to increased aggression towards other birds during this time; they also require spacious accommodation and a nest box 25 x 25 x 60 cm (10 x 10 x 24 ins) with entrance 8 cm (3 ins) in diameter.
They tend to be aggressive towards caretakers. The breeding season begins early May. The hen lays 2 to 4 eggs, which she incubates for 26 days. The young fledge when they are about 8 weeks old.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Amazona xanthops ... English: Yellow-faced Amazon, Yellow-bellied Amazon ... Dutch: Geelbuikamazone, Geelgezichtamazone ... German: Gelbbauchamazone, Gelbgesichtamazone ... French: Amazone à ventre jaune ... CITES II - Endangered Species
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots
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