The Yellow Shouldered Amazon averages 10-13 inches from head to the tip of its tapered tail. The plumage of the Yellow Shouldered is mostly green. Yellow markings are found on the crown of the bird. The color of the Yellow Shouldered is not as vivid a yellow as is found on the DYH Amazon. The wings of this bird are beautiful with its primary and secondary feathers possessing a violet-blue at the tips and outer webs and they have red markings at the end of the wing. Their beautiful blue and red markings are typically not seen when the bird is perched. This bird has a dark bill with a large horn or reddish spot on the upper mandible.
Average Lifespan: Yellow Shouldered Amazon’s average lifespan is 35-50 years in captivity.
Origin: East-Central and south-eastern Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the northern and eastern Amazon Basin in Brazil.
Loudness: The Yellow Shouldered Amazon is an even-tempered Amazon, and as a result, they make excellent pets. Like most birds, they will have a “calling” time usually in the morning or early evening hours. They are good talkers and as a result of there, boisterous calls are typically in that of a human voice. This bird can be loud so if you are sensitive to the sounds of an active pet this may not be your bird, however, they can make up for their loudness with loyalty and love.
Trainability: The Yellow Shouldered Amazon is known for its playful antics and talking abilities. Their playful and friendly personalities make them excellent pets. They are easily trained birds and are known to be very active. If given the space to play and move they can live a very healthy and playful life. Like all Amazons, the Yellow-Crown loves to chew so it is very important to make sure that they have sufficient safe toys consisting of combinations of wood, leather and other natural products to keep them occupied. Don’t worry if your bird destroys his toys – that is a sign of a healthy and happy bird.