Amazons are parrots that are primarily green in color with other colors as accents. They live as their name suggests in the rainforests of Central and South America and the Caribbean. The Amazon is medium sized and can mimic human speech very well. They are known for their talking ability as well as the need to chew on things. This incessant chewing along with how the Amazon parrot acts is the source of its nickname a dog with wings. With training Amazons can learn even more dog-like tricks like fetching and playing dead. Amazon parrots are great pets with an amiable personality.

Wild Amazons come in several varieties with different habits and needs for each. All of these varieties are monogamous pair-bonding animals, or in other words, they choose one mate for life. They are also very loud and communicative. Though each bird’s personality depends on his personal experience and training, Amazons tend to be very amiable except with strangers. Amazon parrots eat seeds, nuts, and fruit, though they have been known to only eat fruit for the seeds in the middle. These fascinating green parrots can make great pets, but any potential buyer should look into where a breeder’s birds came from.

Illegal trade of parrots is extremely common and can endanger the birds in the wild. A good breeder will have paperwork declaring that their birds were obtained legally. Supplies for a parrot can be bought at many pet stores. The most important of which is the cage. For a medium sized parrot like an Amazon a cage that is approximately 30 inches squared is required. Daily cleaning as well as daily opportunities to get out of the cage is best for optimal health. A healthy diet consists of seeds, nuts, fruit, as well as vegetables and cooked rice or beans in moderation.

With all of these specific care requirements parrots are not pets for the busy or light-hearted. Only those who are experienced and knowledgeable about parrots should jump right into owning an Amazon parrot. These birds are loud and protective of their owners. Though it may be difficult, the rewards of owning and Amazon parrot are many. Bonding allows for a close relationship that can last a lifetime because parrots can live around 50-70 years. Amazon’s are terrific birds that can replace the dog in a home and life if given a chance, and better yet they can learn to talk back.