Mexican Red Amazon Parrot is a very attractive parrot originating primarily from Northeast Mexico. Overall it is a darker green Amazon, though a paler green underneath, and has iridescent light green cheeks circled in lilac. Its other descriptive names, Red-crowned Amazon and Mexican Red-headed Parrot, are derived from its vibrant crown of bright scarlet.
Funny and engaging, green-cheeked Amazon parrots can make wonderful pets for the right owners. Also known as the Mexican red-headed parrot, they are intelligent, affectionate, and playful, and some learn to become excellent talkers. These birds have a mild temperament compared to other Amazons and more than anything else will simply want to be near you and their human flock.
This is a favorite among bird lovers for its calm but playful nature. These red-crowned Amazons loved to have the top of their head and the sides of their face petted, and will frequently just lay their head down for you to provide them with this attention. Some of them are talkers, but most are better at mimicking sounds.
They are very gregarious and require regular involvement in the routine of their human flock. Keepers will need to make some adjustments when they add an intelligent creature like this to their home as these parrots will become depressed if neglected. With this pet bird you have a companion for meals or watching television, yes, they do watch television.
Temperament
Playful and sweet, hand-fed green-cheeked Amazon parrots are good family pets that enjoy interacting with everyone. They are mild-mannered and perfectly happy hanging out with their people around the house. They may join you for some TV time and many enjoy eating dinner at the table. Petting is also frequently welcomed.
These birds have a streak of curiosity that some owners say makes them more prone to mischief-making than some other Amazon species. They have been known to chew electrical wires around the house, so supervision and positive distractions are required when out of the cage.
Care and feeding
In the wild, the diet of the Green-cheeked Amazon consists of fruits, plants, seeds, and nuts, but will frequently take a bite of something and then just toss the rest. When food is plentiful they are known to waste, just looking for something they like better. Of course, during the breeding season, everything is eaten and used. A pet bird will enjoy a varied diet, including a quality seed mix or a pelleted diet, and many fresh fruits and vegetables. Pellets will work if started at an early age. Plenty of human food that is nutritious can be offered.
Fruits and vegetables are great but a little chicken or meatloaf is good too. Sweet potatoes provide Vitamin A. Peanut butter or honey at the bottom of a Dixie cup or on a cracker brings them happiness. It will also bring you laughter. Amazons also love pasta but can make a real mess with spaghetti and sauce. They like to eat at the table and enjoy eating with their family. They will let you know when it’s dinner time. Avocado and chocolate are toxic to any parrot.
Handling/Training
The Green-cheeked Amazon quickly becomes accustomed to a new environment and its keeper and is then ready to start bird training. Generally, though, you should give a new arrival a few days to get used to you, your voice and its cage before trying to handle it. A hand-fed baby will not need much taming and can often be handled right away, as it is used to human attention.