From February 18 through early April, the fourth level of the main Aquarium building will be closed for renovation, changing access to amenities and guest routes. Staff will be available to assist with alternative routes and accessibility accommodations.
(Amazona oratrix)
Birds
North America
The most obvious features of this predominantly green parrot are its yellow head and a red patch, or speculum, on each wing. Young birds lack these distinctive yellow and red markings, which become more prominent with age. The yellow-headed Amazon’s stout, hooked beak is used not only for cracking nuts and seeds, but also for grasping, exploring and climbing. Its feet, with two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward, are highly adapted for grasping.
With the intelligence and temperament of a two-to-four-year-old human and a lifespan of 60-to-90 years, parrots make very challenging pets, suitable for only the most experienced and devoted bird owner.
Did you know, yellow-headed Amazons are endangered by habitat loss and over-collecting or trapping for the exotic pet trade?
Mexico and northern Central America
In the wild, the yellow-headed Amazons consume fruits, nuts, berries, blossoms and leaf buds. They are also known to raid agricultural crops, such as maize.
At the Aquarium, their diet includes fruits, berries, vegetables, nuts, seeds and a commercially prepared pellet food.
These parrots grow to a length of about 15 inches from the tip of their beaks to the end of the tails. Females are slightly smaller than males.
Wild populations of yellow-headed Amazons are rapidly declining due to extensive habitat destruction and trapping for the exotic pet trade.
Human activity—specifically, widespread deforestation resulting in the loss of nesting habitat, continued poaching and illegal trade—is the primary threat to this species’ survival.
Experience a 4D movie, explore behind the scenes, meet our experts and come face to face with amazing animals.
Learn more about the animals that share an exhibit with this one.
An adult frog has a body about 2 inches long.
These slow-moving mammals spend their days lounging high up in trees, often enjoying their favorite activity: sleeping.
The ibis gets its bright pink color from pigments in its food.
These tortoises can live for more than 50 years.
When threatened, these birds spread their wings and exhibit very large eyespots.
