Orange-winged Amazon as a pet
Amazona amazonica
In short
This species may suit you if you can live with noise level ‘loud’, have room for an enclosure in class ‘large’ and can care for the bird for even longer than 40 years [S6]. Biggest trade-off: according to the sources, not a species for beginners [S6]. The perfect parrot doesn’t exist: a species profile is no guarantee about your bird.
This information was compiled with AI from public sources and may contain errors. Always check legal rules with the competent authority. Not buying, veterinary or legal advice.
Talking
Can imitate; less talkative than some other Amazons. [S6, S11]
Noise
Amazons can be loud, especially in the morning and evening (group). [S6]
Lifespan
The group source mentions an exceptional 70–80 years; the average is much lower. [S6]
Space
LICG (Amazon parrot, group source): minimum aviary size for a pair 3 × 2 × 2 m (l×w×h) = 6 m² of floor space, with an indoor shelter of at least 1×1 m. If the birds get on well, an indoor aviary of at least 150×100×120 cm is possible. The class rule (largest pair size mentioned, ≥4 m² = large) gives ‘large’. No species-specific size found for A. amazonica; genus source (Amazona) applied. [S6] (checked 20/9/2026)
Suitable for beginners?
LICG (Amazon parrot, group source): “An Amazon parrot is not a bird for beginners.” (translated from Dutch) Experience with parrots is considered necessary; LICG advises taking a course on parrot behaviour beforehand. [S6] (checked 20/9/2026; page read earlier but this verdict not recorded)
Costs
From €276 per year per bird. LICG Amazon parrot (group source): pellet food from €0.75/day ≈ €23/month × 12 [S6]. Covers pellets only, not vegetables, fruit or the vet — so a lower limit, not a full annual cost. Vet and toys are not included. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.
Paperwork and rules in Belgium
EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 24 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].
Adoption and availability
Other Amazon species were seen at the rescue (yellow-crowned, double yellow-headed, yellow-cheeked), not this one [S70, S71].
What you have to accept
- According to the sources, not a species for beginners [S6].
- Noise class ‘loud’: only choose this species if your home situation can handle it [S6].
- Lifespan: according to the sources this species can live longer than 40 years; plan who will care for it if your life changes [S6].
- Space class ‘large’: the guideline sizes call for a spacious aviary [S6].
Compare with
Turquoise-fronted Amazon (same source group): a similar profile on the known criteria [S6].
Turquoise-fronted Amazon · Compare with Turquoise-fronted AmazonBlue-headed Pionus: quieter according to the sources (‘moderate’ versus ‘loud’), shorter commitment (‘up to about 40 years’) [S6, S63].
Blue-headed Pionus · Compare with Blue-headed PionusGrey Parrot: seen at a rescue; but more paperwork (EU Annex A) [S39, S40, S69, S70].
Grey Parrot · Compare with Grey Parrot
Source basis
Species + Amazona group knowledge
Guideline sizes, costs and adoption listings come from Flemish sources; different rules may apply in Brussels and Wallonia. Foreign housing rules are not Belgian rules.
Sources
- S6 · LICG — Amazonepapegaai · read 2026-09-06
- S11 · Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals — Amazon Parrots · read 2026-09-06
- S39 · FOD Volksgezondheid — CITES-regels: Papegaaien · read 2026-09-24
- S40 · FOD Volksgezondheid — Beschermde soorten bezitten · read 2026-09-19
- S63 · LafeberVet — Basic Information Sheet: Pionus (C. Pollock, DVM, DABVP Avian, 17 juli 2022) · read 2026-09-19
- S69 · Nally's Papegaaienopvang vzw (Oedelem) — Adopteer een papegaai · read 2026-09-19
- S70 · adopteereendier.be (Vlaamse overheid) — asielpagina Nally's Papegaaien Opvang · read 2026-09-19
- S71 · adopteereendier.be — Volièrevogels · read 2026-09-19
Sources checked as of: