Yellow naped Amazon
BirdCare.com.au
PO  Box 126 Mitcham Vic 3132 ( Victoria, Australia )

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• Scientific Name: Amazona ochrocephala auropalliata
• Common Name/s: YELLOW NAPED AMAZON.
• Sub Species in country / area of origin: 9 or more different forms of the Yellow fronted Amazons. Some authors divide these birds into 3 species.
• Origin / Distribution: Central South America to southern Mexico.
• Habitat In Wild: Occupy a diverse range of habitat. Will forage in farmlands and plantations.
• Status In Wild: Some populations declining due to habitat loss and trapping for the bird trade. Some sub-species possibly endangered.
• Status In (Australian) Captivity: Rare
• Age To Sexual Maturity: 2 - 3 years.
• Adult plumage: attained at about - months
• Lifespan (estimate): Can live up to 50 years. One of the longest lived parrots. 
• Sexing: Monomorphic / Dimorphic
• Mutations: ?
• Availability: Specialist breeders.
• Temperament: They are noisy birds especially in the early morning.
• Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: - Normal colour (Approx.) $Lots
• Description Of Adults: The yellow is restricted to the nape of the neck, hence its descriptive name.

1. Length: Approx. 380 mm (or approx. 15 inches)
2. Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer photo/s above if available.
3. Weight: Approx. ? gms (or approx. ? ozs)

Aviary Notes:

Level Of Knowledge Required: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Specialist Breeders Only.

Government Regulations & By-Laws: Refer to " Government Laws " web page.

Housing Requirements: Refer to " Amazon Parrots " web page for general details on the housing of Amazon Parrots or read on for specific details for this parrot.

One pair per aviary. Prefer a large aviary of up to 5 metres long. Needs a good supply of fresh branches to chew.

Diet / Feeding: Refer to " Amazon Parrots " web page for general details on the feeding of Amazon Parrots or read on for specific details for this parrot.

In the wild these birds visit the clay banks to consume the mineral rich soil. The clays are thought to neutralize some toxic compounds in their diet. The clays may provide some minerals and trace elements necessary for good health.

Natural diet includes seeds, fruits, nuts and some flowers, leaf and flower buds, and berries. Will forage in plantations.

Aviary diet of fruit, vegetables and seed.

Nesting: A basic overview only. Dimensions are typical / average and can vary widely, influenced by the owner's preferences and the birds preferences. Parent bird's preferences can also be influenced by the size and type of nest-box / log in which the bird was hatched and reared. If space allows, offering a choice of sizes and types of logs or nest-boxes, and placed in various locations within the aviary, can allow the parent birds to make their own choice. Once a pair has chosen a specific nest-box/log and been successful in it, offer that one to them each breeding season. Try and keep that one for their exclusive use. Once a pair has chosen its log or nest-box, the other ones can generally be removed. If the "spare" boxes are to be removed and moved to another flight, ensure the log / nest-box is cleaned to ensure the receptacle has the minimal contamination of mites, parasites and pathogens.

• Nesting months:
• Log / Nest-box:
  • Length / depth 500 - 600 mm (or approx. 20 - 24 inches)
  • Log internal diameter approx. 300 mm. (or approx. 12 inches)
  • Nest-box internal dimensions approx. 275 - 300 mm square (or approx. 11 - 12 inches square)
  • Diameter of entrance hole approx. 75 - 80 mm (or approx. 3 inches)
  • Inspection hole (square or round) 100 mm (or approx 4 inches)
  • A removable top / lid can be a useful access point for inspections and for cleaning.
  • Location and height of log / nest-box = in a sheltered part of the aviary and at about 1.5 - 1.8 metres height, but not too close to the roof to cause heat problems in the hotter months.
  • Angle of log or nest box = Usually vertical or near vertical.  Can be on an angle of up to 45 degrees.
• Nesting log / nest-box material: Decomposed non-toxic saw dust, wood shavings or other suitable material/s.
• Who incubates the egg/s: Hen / cock / both share.

Cock bird can be very aggressive at breeding time.

Breeding: Egg Colour White.  Clutch/s per year 1, occasionally 2.  Eggs per nest 2 - 5.  Incubation approx. 26 days.  Fledge approx. 8 - 9 weeks.  Independent approx. another 2 or 3 weeks.

These birds can become aggressive at breeding season and may attack the keeper. Nest boxes are best positioned so the nest inspection can be carried out from outside the aviary. Nest inspection is best done when the adult birds are out of the nest.

Artificial incubation and hand rearing or fostering will not be covered on this web site.  It is too complex and diverse in nature to be attempted here.

Health Issues: Refer to "Avian Health Issues" web page for information and references.

• Worming and parasite control and Quarantine requirements of new bird/s or sick bird/s are considered to require veterinary advice and therefore not covered on this web site. Refer "Avian Health Issues" web page option.
• Avian medicine is advancing at a rapid pace. Keep updating your knowledge and skills.

General References: Refer to references listed on "Book References" web page.

Specific References:

• Australian Aviculture

• Australian Birdkeeper

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