Yellow-headed Amazon
Amazona oratrix
Mexico & Central America • Yellow-headed Parrot
IUCN Status
Endangered
The Yellow-headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix), also known as the Yellow-headed Parrot, is a large and striking Amazon parrot from Mexico and Central America. It features bright green plumage with a prominent yellow head and crown, red wing speculum, and a red tail band. Known for its exceptional talking ability, playful personality, and strong social bonds, this species is one of the most popular and talented talkers among Amazon parrots. Unfortunately, due to heavy trapping for the pet trade and habitat loss, it is listed as Endangered in the wild.
General Description
| Common Name | Yellow-headed Amazon (Yellow-headed Parrot) |
| Latin Name | Amazona oratrix |
| 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 dry forests, mangroves, and woodland edges in Mexico and Central America. |
| Origin / Range | Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. |
| Care Level | Intermediate to Advanced • Excellent talker but needs large space and enrichment |
Amazona oratrix • Adult showing bright yellow head and green body
YELLOW-HEADED AMAZON • ONE OF THE BEST TALKING AMAZONS
Plumage & Features
The Yellow-headed Amazon is predominantly bright green with a vivid yellow head and crown (sometimes extending to the neck), red wing speculum, and a red tail band with blue edges. The beak is horn-coloured with a dark tip. The amount of yellow on the head can vary significantly between individuals and subspecies.
Juveniles have much less yellow on the head and duller overall coloration. This species is renowned for its exceptional talking and mimicking abilities, often learning dozens of words and phrases with remarkable clarity.
Conservation Status:
Endangered (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Amazona Genus
Mexico & Central America
Yellow-headed Amazon