Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot

Amazona aestiva, the Blue-fronted Amazon is also known as the Turquoise-fronted Amazon and the Blue-fronted Parrot.

It is one of 27 species of Amazon parrot, Amozona, and one of the most common parrots kept in captivity.

Like all Amazon parrots, the Blue Fronted is primarily green coloring. The blue fronted amazon gets its name from blue coloring between its eyes and beak. It has a black beak and sections of the cheeks, crown and occasionally the top of the breast are yellow. The thighs are yellow and the wings have yellow and red feathers at the bend. Blue Fronted Amazons, like all amazons and all parrots, are zygodactyl, which means they have four toes on each foot—two front and two back.

The Blue Fronted Amazon grows to a 14 inch length. Due to the size minimum cage requirements are 39"- 59"H x 23"W x 39"L. Their average life span while in captivity is 40 years and they reach sexual maturity in two to three years.

Their breeding season lasts from March until July where two to four eggs are laid every two to three days. The young hatch in 24 to 28 days and become independent in 8 to fourteen weeks. They are generally bred easily and are considered to be good parents. The male may feed the female who in turn will then feed the young. Surgical sexing, a process where an Avian veterinarian draws blood to test the bird’s DNA, is usually required to determine gender.

The Blue Front Amazon parrot is native to Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. It may also surprise you to learn that a small number also live in the lush areas of Stuttgart in Germany. In the wild they primarily eat nuts, fruits, and leafy greens.

The personality of the Blue Fronted Amazon, combined with their striking and colorful appearance, make it one of the most popular birds in captivity. The Blue Fronted is one of the larger Amazon species. With its size comes a large personality, though they are also known to be more volatile than other Amazons.

Since the 16th century reign of Queen Elizabeth I, this bird has know popularity and while the population is in decline, it isn’t listed on the endangered or threatened list.

One of the many reasons for their popularity is their incredible ability to talk and mimic. They’re outgoing and social birds which makes them excellent entertainers. Feather plucking is rare. However they have a tendency to be noisy birds. The male species generally has an excitable temperament which can lead to aggression during sexual maturity.

They enjoy being cleaned and cleaning and a good weekly shower. Blue Fronted Amazons need to have their beaks and nails trimmed if their environment doesn’t provide enough opportunities for them to be filed down naturally. A typical Amazon diet consists of a pellet base supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.

In addition to a good diet, a Blue Fronted Amazon needs plenty of stimulation. Inside the cage, perches should be 1/2" to 1" round or square. Also be sure to add fruit tree branches to aid in your Amazon’s natural climbing ability.

Toys, very important to keep an intelligent Amazon happy and busy, should be provided in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, colors and purposes. Toys that make sounds and toys that offer a puzzle are good additions to a Blue Fronted Amazon’s toy collection.

While generally healthy birds, Blue Fronted Amazon’s occasionally suffer from psittacosis, internal parasites, influenza, coccidiosis, respiratory problems and feather plucking.

Blue Fronted Amazon Parrots are easily purchased from breeders and pet stores and generally cost between $700 and $1000. They are known to be good with children and pets if they have been properly trained and socialized. For more information on training please see our full training report.