Blue Fronted Amazon

Amazona aestiva

What is the history of my relationship to man?

For hundreds of years, man has traded this bird as a pet and companion.

Where am I from?  

I am from several South American countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Who are my relatives?

Of the approximately 330 species of parrots, 27 are commonly referred to as Amazon, including; the Double Yellow Headed Amazon, Mealy Amazon and Spectacled Amazon.  The term Amazon refers to the scientific group we belong to; genus Amazona.  All parrots are easily identified by their hook bill and zygodactylous feet.  (Two toes face forward and two toes face backwards)

How am I born?  

We nest in tree cavities. Our eggs are oval in shape and white in color. We incubate for about 27 days. Chicks leave the nest about 60 days after hatching. We can’t see when we are born and we have no feathers.

How long does it take me to grow up and how long do I live?

Our feathers start growing when we are about two weeks.  When we leave the nest we are as big as we will get and have all our feathers.   On average we will live about 60 years.

What kind of family life do I have?

I am a  flocking bird, this means I live in a group of other birds like myself, not just Blue Fronts but also other types of Amazons.

What do I eat and when do I eat? 

I like to eat fruits, seeds and vegetables.  I am active during the day.

Who are my predators?  

Birds of prey will hunt us. Man catches us to sell to the pet industry.  Snakes will eat our chicks.