Yellow Naped Amazon Parrot
genus Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata
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Description: Yellow Naped Amazon Parrot yellow nape amazons
Simply put, Yellow Nape Amazon Parrots are my all time favorite of all species of amazon parrots: Mike, owner and director: Royal Bird Company one of the world largest yellow naped amazon breeding and research programs.
Yellow-naped amazon parrots are endangered in their natural habitat which can be found along the Pacific Slope of Central America, in Southern Mexico and North-western Costa Rica.
Deforestation is reducing the number of the yellow nape amazon parrot in the wild together with illegal removal of young yellow nape amazons for the pet trade. Their talking ability is so great that this species is being brought to total extinction by illegal poaching for the pet trade in europe, as the USA has total banned the international trade of this species, import or export.
Description:
◦Size: 12-15 inches (~35 cm)
◦Average weight: wide ranges 480 to 680 grams
◦Some common features of the yellow naped amazon: green forehead and crown, with many of the nominate species having yellow stripe or splash on forehead on youngters and adults the same.
Many yellow naped amazons having a yellow band across the lower nape and hind neck on adults and preadults. Some birds develop more yellow than others. Others don't develop any yellow feathers at all or develop very little, (honduran sub class)
Yellow feathers on nape and forehead may increase with maturity. From about 2- 3 years old and up Yellow feathers continue to develop at the back of the neck (nape). Sometimes the yellow increases for the entire age of the bird, we have seen some continue to get yellow nape and foreheads throughout a 30 year period. in most cases age can be estimated by looking at yellow development, the more yellow the older the bird. However on the honduran geo subclass this is difficult to estimate age as the forehead and or the nape have no yellow or so little that age cannot be estimated, one would have to go by the eyes, as adults have orange eyes while young have darker or black eyes. Once the eyes turn yellow or orange its impossible to estimate beyond just being an adult. we see on many babies and young the eyes turning after around 5 months up to one year.
Nominate species: Dark gray beak with the base of the upper beak being somewhat lighter.
On some yellow naped amazon subspecies such as PARVIPES the bird is smaller and the beak will be much lighter gray and the over all bird is smaller with red at bends of the wing.feet and legs will be light gray.
No other species comes close to what i think about yellow naped amazons.
I own a Yellow Naped Amazon, LORETTA(passed) has over 100 word vocabulary, sings opera, Spanish and English. I have never seen even one yellow naped amazon parrot that did not become an excellent talker. They are fantastic for talking ability. African Grey parrots may be good talkers, but let me tell you this, I have never seen not even one handfed Yellow Nape amazon that did not want to perform, talk, sing, etc, no not even one. But, I have seen many African Greys that simply were very disappointing. But that is the difference in the nature of two species. I remember as a kid one of the old Johnny Carson shows with a yellow nape amazon that would sing i left my heart in Sanfrancisco, It was amazing. The Yellow Naped Amazon when a baby or very young will be mostly green in color and has little or NO yellow on the nape. Many may have yellow splashed on the forehead and crown. This coloration is normally found in the nominate form auropalliata, this is the normal and most often seen yellow naped amazon around the country, its the most type sold in most shops, It has a large range in central America and Mexico. This yellow may or may not stay throughout the first couple molts. In some cases it may completely disappear or get larger. The yellow on the nape may start to appear within the first year and then will increase in size throughout the life. Some babies may not get any yellow on the nape for many years, Each bird may be different, But the yellow is an indicator of age for sure, Many people thinking they have a baby yellow naped and the bird already has a yellow nape will be at least 4-6-7 years old. It can take many years for yellow naped to get their yellow and some yellow naped species such as the LARGE HONDURAN may only get very little on the nape even after many years, see below the differences in yellow naped species, The Honduran being the most sought after due to the extreme talking talents. The Yellow Naped Amazon is in most experts opinion is the absolute most entertaining of all amazons or in some cases all birds.
This species never fails in becoming the center of attention. Yellow naped amazons are one of the best talking species of all birds. Yes, even better than African Greys. Well, lets just say Yellow Napes talk more and will talk in front of strangers where African Greys seem to be slightly shy. Of course there are exceptions to this, as some greys are also good talkers in front of strangers, but this is not the norm. This species (Yellow Naped) will learn at a very young age. We have had many Yellow napes start vocalizing actual words at 10-15 weeks old. Some even younger. If you are looking for the perfect talking species, then this one is for you. However please do not purchase a bird just for talking , as these creatures are much more than that.
SEXES and the DIFFERENCE:
this basically applies to all larger type parrots..males and females equally have the same talent for talking, equally make the same pet, equally have the same qualities, equally have the same potential for making a good or bad bird, its up to you to train or not, some birds as in humans just may not respond to training as well as you like, ALL have the same bad or good qualities equally just like male and female humans. Birds DO NOT know the difference in human sexes, however some may like a certain color of hair, or length of hair or type of voice, this is where many people thinks a male or female bird may like a male or female human more. We have just as many human males tell us that their male or female bird loves them, and just as many human females tell us that their male or female birds love them, so its all in the beholder and what their birds like or dislike, it has nothing to do with what your birds sex is or what your sex is. The bird does not recognize human sex, its all in the what the bird likes regardless of your sex or birds sex. Also we have seen many many owners that had a bird and then after a long time of ownership their bird or birds change, and they may start to like someone else in the household, parrots are intelligent and they do have personality and they change as do you. After over 35 years of breeding and researching this species, we find little difference in sexes as far as pet quality goes. Each bird as each human have likes and dislikes and they will and do change their mind, as you do. As with adult humans and children you will see a change in personality and will experience a barage of things with your bird over time. Its a breathing intelligent live creature that acts on instinct and habit. It is not a goldfish or hamster that is in the fish bowl or a cage all the time.. If you want something that will never change and will be the same all the time and you will never experience change or any problems with, or never get a bite, go to walmart and purchase a toy parrot. When you own parrots you will get a bite.
Amazon parrots are not for small or timid children (or timid adults) but can be a very great addition to the household. Keeping in mind that most amazons should not be left unsupervised around very young children as with most all parrots there is a danger of nipping.
If you are old enough to remember the Carson Show, many times there was a Yellow Nape brought on the show, that bird would sing, laugh, cry, sing opera, etc. That is what Yellow Napes Do. They do not even need training...Most of the time when you see a green parrot on TV that has a very good talking ability its normally the Yellow Naped Amazon. I personally own a Yellow Nape Amazon named Loretta, This bird is amazing . She speaks Spanish, English, sings opera, etc. She is the perfect example of the talented ability of the Yellow Nape Amazon Parrot. If you want a bird that will become one of the best talking birds, the most entertaining bird you have ever seen, This bird is for you.
Yellow Naped Subspecies; there are several recognizable geo variations in this genus, we have researched and bred several, We are now the worlds largest breeding research program. We have now in our breeding programs, several different species and subspecies and the very very rare BLUE mutation of the yellow naped amazon.
The rare BLUE mutation Yellow Naped Amazon, This rare blue mutation is one of the rarest mutations in the parrot world sometimes bring more than $25,000. Females being cheaper in price. The male being very much sought after as when a blue male even paired with a normal green bird could produce blue offspring. We have the original VOREN bloodline. Howard Voren(passed) being the original worlds first breeder of this very rare Yellow Naped Amazon mutation.
Yellow Naped Amazons are found in several Central American Countries, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, and also Mexico. The species in general are declining in numbers across their native habitats due to deforestation and development. Once a common sight in these countries, this species has now become very uncommon and in some areas totally disappeared.
PARVIPES: this rare and uncommon variation is slightly smaller, has red at the bend of the wing, mandibles are different color, mostly lighter than the nominate form, same talking ability. becoming very uncommon and rare.
Unclassified: HONDURAN: one geo variation we have seen comes from the western southern area of Honduras in and around the Nicaraguan border region, this geo variation of yellow naped amazon is larger, a darker deeper green and has no yellow on the nape or front forehead until much older, and some never get it, we have several very select pairs but we had a super large breeder pair that we know are 15 years old and they have only a few flecks of yellow on the nape so far and no yellow on the forehead at all and in which the front forehead may never get yellow at all, the head is quite large and is broad, When we sent some video of our birds and info to our friend the now late Howard Voren, of Voren Aviary the world authority on this species as well all AMAZONS in general, he was excited to say the least. He stated that he saw many of these in western south region of Honduras while there collecting birds back in the late 70's and early 80's, He said there was a very distinct difference in these compared to other variations, and this subspecies was already in decline at that time and numbers were scarce. He also said he experienced the talking ability to be greater than average compared to the other yellow naped variations and subspecies. Voren also stated that not very many were brought out for export to the USA due to the region being so inaccessible to outsiders, and due to wars and political conflict in Honduras it was dangerous to go into the bush. He noticed that this variation were already getting rare in the USA, and by USA breeders not really understanding or not able to detect the differences in sub classes and geo variants most would just throw any yellow naped pairs together for breeding without knowing there was differences in geo variations and the breeder in most cases did not care.
He was impressed by our birds and thanked me for keeping them separated, as he had done for over 35 years, We now have 2nd generation and 3rd generation of this geo subspecies and we strive to keep the lines pure. the adult breeders are something to see, when showing off at the approaching breeding season. Many socalled experts may not officially recognize this different variant as a separate subspecies, however Howard Voren was very adamant, These birds are absolutely a bonified geo variation and should be looked upon as a different subspecies. He said to me, Just look at them, how could any one with an eye for detail not see they are different? Voren, went on to say...I was there where they came from, and these birds actually stayed in such remote regions where no other type of yellow naped were, and this is what kept them pure.
The Honduran babies are overly large, with a very dark blue green sheen and they all seem to be more talented in talking and mimic at a very early age (compared to others). They also grow at a very fast rate compared to the nominate form as well other subspecies. Voren stated that in the late 70's and early 80's he brought out only adult birds which many did have some yellow on the nape but they were already estimated to be at least 10 years or older, the amount of yellow on the nape on this subspecies is not normally indicator of age as is with other yellow naped subspecies. But keep in mind that many babies from these HONDURAN variation may never get the full yellow nape. He stated to us that he had several pair that he had brought out originally that had a small amount of yellow and now at the time its been over 35 years and they have no more yellow as they did then. Our own experience is the same as we stated we have pairs that we have had for over 15 years and they still have only flecks of yellow, but their babies can have more or less in time. Some after 15 years have a full nape where some of the babies from the same pair have no yellow on the nape even at the same age or older, so its in the bird as in people. Some people have siblings or parents that may have different types or color of hair than themselves. its all in the genes and how they are passed on.
Below is a picture of a Honduran variation baby along side a nominate form
Keep in mind the large Honduran Baby was hatched may 8, the other hatched may 1,
making the Honduran 7 days younger. see the difierence?
Note: We have kept, selective bred and researched the whole species of yellow naped amazons for half of our lifetime, closing in on around 38 years now(2017). We have studied everything about yellow naped amazons, we have researched the geo differences in yellow naped amazon colors and sizes, the nesting patterns, the final results of selective breeding, advanced incubation, brooding, nutritional needs, and much more, we are many times called upon when other breeders and owners need answers on this species. We have shared and collaborated info with the late great Howard Voren of Vorens Aviary, the world authority on all amazona species, the first world captive breeder of the rare blue mutation yellow naped amazon, We have written articles and shared research info with other breeders across the world also sharing info with the wildlife ministry of HONDURAS. Honduras and Nicaragua, the countries for the main origins of most original ancestors of yellow naped amazons in the USA today.
We also have shared info with a small consortium of breeders across Honduras and Nicaragua that are breeding this species and others, they are working hard to help the declining wild populations of yellow naped and other species and also hopefully be able to be successful enough to actually do a release of some of the domestically bred birds they are working with. We have gathered one of, if not the largest in the world, the largest yellow naped amazon research information databases on the incubation, hatches, feeding habits, flock interactions, pair bonding, lighting stimuli, nest box design and nesting, and much more. to date we have gathered more than 50,000+ pages of research data pertaining to geo variations, species, sub species, husbandry, pairing, lighting, nesting activities, diets, nest box design, clutch sizes and fertility, and much more, we know this species inside and out.
We have one of the USA largest and most successful selective collection of Yellow Naped Amazons. For over 35 years our very selective breeding of this most amazing species has given Royal Bird Company Avicultural Breeding Research Center the 2nd and 3rd generation breeders produced from our own stock over these long years. We separated and paired birds that were same species and subspecies, like in size, like in coloration, temperament and talking ability, only the best was paired with the best therefore the offspring is absolutely the finest specimens available, our super stock that produces our baby yellow naped amazons are some of the most talented birds in talking ability, best in family companions and the absolute perfect feathering and colorations. Its all in the genes, breed the best and get the best. We do not breed feather pickers or problem birds therefore our stock and babies produced from these birds are the cream of the flock. If you want the highest quality pure bloodline of this species then you have come to the right place. You get what you pay for.
NOTE: We never recommend that a person own or purchase birds just for talking ability. These creatures are much more than that. Please purchase them because you love them and can give them a forever home.. Be a Responsible Pet Owner..
CAGE SIZE recommendation: Please do not put your bird into a prison cell. We see many people buy a cage that is too small. We recommend that amazon size birds have a large cage, you cannot have too big of a cage. 36 inch wide , 42 inch wide, 48 inch wide or even larger is a good size, the bigger the better, we hear people state that their cage is a certain size tall, Thats not important, How wide is it? , It needs to be wide.
Our babies are raised mostly free, they spend lots of time on very large playgyms, where they have freedom with toys and other activities.
Below is a video of one of our SUPER PAIRS of young 3rd generation pairs of selective bred premium Honduran variation Yellow Naped Amazons, Super large, Super talkers, absolutely amazing birds.
The subclass HONDURAN Yellow Naped Babies are priced higher than the nominate species
