Yellow-crowned Amazon
Amazona ochrocephala
Northern South America • Yellow-crowned Parrot
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Yellow-crowned Amazon (Amazona ochrocephala) is a large, attractive, and highly popular Amazon parrot from northern South America. It features bright green plumage with a prominent yellow crown and forehead, blue cheeks, and a red wing speculum. Known for its intelligent, playful, and outgoing personality, this species is one of the best talkers among Amazons and makes a lively, long-lived companion for experienced keepers.
General Description
| Common Name | Yellow-crowned Amazon |
| Latin Name | Amazona ochrocephala |
| Family | Psittacidae • Amazon Parrots |
| Adult Size | 35–40 cm (14–16 in) |
| Weight | 400–550 g |
| Life Span | 50–70+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 4–6 years |
| Clutch Size | 2–4 eggs |
| Gender Difference | Minimal visual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger with broader heads; DNA testing is recommended. |
| Natural Habitat | Tropical rainforests, savannas, and woodland edges in northern South America. |
| Origin / Range | Northern South America: Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. |
| Care Level | Intermediate • Social and needs varied diet and enrichment |
Amazona ochrocephala • Adult showing yellow crown and green plumage
YELLOW-CROWNED AMAZON • WIDESPREAD & POPULAR AMAZON
Plumage & Features
The Yellow-crowned Amazon is predominantly bright green with a prominent yellow crown and forehead, blue cheeks, and a red wing speculum. The tail has a broad red band with blue and green edges. The beak is horn-coloured with a dark tip.
Juveniles have less yellow on the crown and duller overall coloration. This species is known for being one of the better talkers among Amazons and is generally hardy and adaptable.
Conservation Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Amazona Genus
Northern South America
Yellow-crowned Amazon