Rivaling the African Grey in talking abilities are the Amazon parrots, particularly the Yellow Nape, Double Yellow Head and Blue Front Amazons. Many other species of Amazons can and do talk quite well, but these are the Amazons that have the best reputation for talking well and clearly. Although I hate to seem prejudice, I must admit that the Amazons are really my favorite parrots; but for many people they can be the absolute worst choice. This is where individual opinions, preferences and lifestyles comes into play. We have no children, and I really don't recommend Amazon parrots for people with very young children, and I'll explain my reasons shortly.

The reason we love Amazons is their unique ability to entertain themselves, often alone in their cages (with plenty of toys, of course), and not become neurotic. They are excellent talkers, very acrobatic and entertaining to watch, and seldomly develop any neurotic tendencies like feather-plucking and constant screaming if given certain minimal attention. However, they do have the reputation of being nippy, particularly the males, once they reach sexual maturity. However, this behavior is easily anticipated, and once you learn Amazon body language, you can easily avoid getting bit. This is one very important reason why I don't recommend them to people with small children, as this body language is difficult for children (and maybe some adults) to read and understand. If there are small children, they should definitely be taught that the bird is "off-limits" when they are not closely supervised.

Although a tame Amazon is easily handled once you learn the basics of "parrot handling", they are definitely not for the meek, and enjoy being petted and stroked only on their terms. The good side of this is that they're very predictable, once you learn Amazon body language. Flashing eyes (pupils), flared tails and "strutting" are definite signs to let your bird calm down before you handle him. You can usually accomplish this by distracting them in some way - give them a toy or nut, and they will usually calm down quickly - or just wait a minute or two and it will pass. If you find it absolutely necessary to pick up your Amazon during one of these displays, try distracting him by holding your left hand (out of reach) above his head while having him step onto your other hand. Again, this type of "Amazon frenzy" is usually only briefly displayed by sexually mature Amazons, especially males, more frequently during the Amazon breeding season (early to late spring). If you have only one pet Amazon it will pass very quickly (or they may never get a desire to breed at all). If there are other Amazons, particularly breeding Amazons, it will take a little longer. Sort of an Amazon P.M.S. syndrome. I don't mean it to sound as if Amazons get vicious during this time, just that you should be more cautious and watch their body language, and before you know it your bird will be his old self again - just be patient. Like I said, if you pay attention, the behavior is very predictable, and there's no need to ever get bit once you recognize this behavior.

There now - I've told you the bad sides of my favorite birds before you had to hear it from anyone else. Now for more of the good things. Many Amazons really excel in talking ability, and often learn to talk well on cue (which can sometimes be a challenge with any talking parrot you want to show off for your friends - "Yea, sure the bird talks!") You'll find most species of parrots don't perform the cute and wonderful tricks you've taught them and say those cute phrases when there's actually someone there you want to hear it - they enjoy making a fool of you!

Amazons will play for hours on end with toys, swings or ropes hanging in their cages or from their playpens, and their acrobatic antics are very amusing. I consider an Amazon a very good choice for someone who works days, wants an entertaining and talking bird, but doesn't necessary want to cuddle and hug on them all the time. Keep in mind that the cuddlier species of parrots are also more demanding of your time, and special attention must be paid to such birds not to spoil them too much. After being around many parrots, mine as well as my friends, I can tell you that a spoiled-rotten bird is usually an ill-mannered and irritating bird. Remember, you must be in control of the bird, not the other way around.

As far as noise level is concerned, again this is a personal thing. I don't find the natural call of the Yellow Nape, Double Yellow Head, Yellow Crown or Blue Front to be unpleasant, when done in the natural context of brief "calling" times. Its kind of a wavering sound - like a yodel is the best way I know to describe it. For hours on end, I would consider it unpleasant, but the average bird will not make their natural call for hours on end unless this behavior has been reinforced in some way. On the other hand, Red Loreds, Orange Wings and Red Heads have a rather loud, kind of barking sound, and this pitch bothers me a little more. I like these birds very well, and the noises are very tolerable to me if not long lasting. Again, keep in mind you can adjust the time when your bird chooses to exercise its natural call as outlined earlier.

In general, I feel Amazons are our personal favorites because of their excellent talking ability, general hardiness and "mental stability", playfulness and acrobatic agility, and most important for us, the fact that they're not too "clingy" or demanding. Since we own many pet birds, they all must share our time and attention. As you can see, the independence of these birds is the quality that makes them our favorite, but this same quality would make them the worst choice for someone who wants a special loving pet to cuddle and coo over for hours on end. Don't assume that I mean that Amazons do not need regular attention - all tame parrots need regular attention in order to stay tame, happy and healthy. And I know that there are certainly Amazons that are cuddly (those individual personalities, again!) I have an Amazon like that. But I can't honestly describe the average Amazon to be "cuddly" - entertaining, talkative, playful and somewhat independent would probably be a better description for Amazon parrots in general.