The double yellow-headed Amazon parrot, or yellow-headed parrot, is among the most popular companion Amazons, probably due to its striking coloring and its ability to amass a substantial vocabulary. These birds are especially talented in learning opera and other types of singing, making them charming companions. They have been known in captivity since the 1500s, kept by people ranging from pirates to nobility, and are documented as having a more solid temperament than the similarly gifted yellow-naped Amazon.
These 14 to 16 inch active birds are recognizable by the generous amount of yellow over the head, with flecks of yellow extending to the back and neck and yellow feathers on the legs. The shoulders are red and the rest of the body is deep green. The ring around the eye is white and the beak is horn colored. Immature birds are primarily green with a little yellow above the beak and slight red markings on the shoulders. They come into full color at the onset of maturity, at about 3 to 5 years of age.
The double-yellow headed Amazon is an active bird that likes to clamber around its given area, and will love to fly if offered enough space. Cage materials should be strong; powder-coated steel or stainless steel makes a good choice.
Toys are essential for this bird, and the most important toys are those that can be chewed and shredded. Easily destroyed soft wood and paper toys are a must, as are sturdier toys made of lava, leather, hard woods, and acrylic. The intelligent double yellow-headed will become bored easily if not given a “job” and will resort to screaming and hostile behavior in lieu of something to do. It is not a known “plucker,” but can easily pick up neurotic patterns that can be annoying to owners.
Feeding this bird isn’t difficult — this Amazon has a hearty appetite and will eat everything in its cup if the bird is exposed early to a variety of foods. That said, treats and table foods should be fed in moderation, as a double yellow-head has hard time saying “No,” to food. A double yellow-headed Amazon should be fed a nutritionally balanced pelleted diet, as well as fresh vegetables and fruit. Lafeber’s Avi-Cakes and Nutri-Berries are also nutritionally balanced and offer variety for the diet and opportunities for foraging. Foods high in vitamin A are important, as this bird is prone to deficiency. Calcium is equally important. Because its appetite is healthy, the DYH is prone to obesity if it doesn’t get enough exercise. This is why a spacious cage and a play gym are so important, as are toys that make the bird “work.”