Are Amazon Parrots Loud? (Or Are They Quiet?)

Recently a family member asked me what factors they should consider when choosing a new parrot, and one of my first answers was noise level.

They specifically are interested in getting an Amazon parrot, a type which has a reputation for cheerful chatter.

While all birds have the potential to be loud, it is important to think about your living situation and your bird’s vocals.

No matter how much you love your bird, your neighbors or landlord could take issue with gleeful shrieks and your partner may get sick of the singing.

Noise levels are such an important factor when adopting an Amazon parrot, so let’s look in-depth. Are Amazon parrots loud?

Yes, Amazon parrots have the potential to be quite loud. Amazon parrots are known for their ability to talk and to replicate songs. They are also known for high-pitched screams, both when happy and frustrated. Amazons are boisterous and playful birds, so screaming and chattering may not be entirely avoidable. However, you would be able to curb the behavior with some proper training techniques.

The main factors to consider will be your living situation and your own tolerance for noise.

For instance, if you live in an apartment or share a wall with your neighbors you will have to carefully think about whether or not your bird will be appreciated, or even allowed.

Your own tolerance is important too.

We imagine ourselves fully in love with our parrot and all their singing but be honest with yourself.

Will consistent repetition and chatter get on your nerves?

Will you be able to keep your cool during an inevitable screaming fit?

 

Can Amazon parrots talk?

Yes! Amazon parrots are known for their ability to talk, and this trait is what draws many to these wonderful birds.

Because they are so outgoing and playful, Amazons are very prone to mimicking sounds, songs, and eventually words.

You can teach your Amazon to say words or phrases and to sing songs.

They also will chatter away with you, even if it sounds like gibberish.

Amazons can also learn new words throughout their lives.

They will be constantly vocalizing, mimicking, and singing.

This is a major draw for many owners, who desire a cheerful bird that they can engage with.

Remember, however, that the same intelligence and outgoing nature that leads your Amazon to be able to talk will also make them constant noise machines.

This can be demanding from an owner, requiring lots of attention and patience.

They love being talked to and your engagement will be crucial to their mental health.

 

Is it normal for Amazon Parrots to scream?

For Amazon parrots, screaming goes hand in hand with their talking abilities.

Amazons are notorious for their loud, high-pitched shrieks.

These tend to be much louder than parakeet or conure screams, so it is important to be aware of how loud an Amazon can be.

Amazons may scream for many reasons.

Commonly they will do so for attention, when their owner leaves the room or when they are hoping you will look and engage with them.

Stress can be another cause, so it’s important to pay attention to your bird’s behavior and body language.

They can also scream when they are overly excited.

If a play session is getting too energetic or out of hand, expect some shrieking.

This can be a sign that they need to take a time out and calm down.

There are lots of techniques to calm your Amazon’s screaming and minimize the frequency.

The most important thing is to avoid yelling back, as it will encourage them.

Instead, keep calm and avoid rewarding the behavior with attention.

In addition to training, make sure you are providing lots of toys and activities, so they aren’t bored, and that they are getting plenty of exercise.

A bored bird will inevitably be a loud bird.

Before getting an Amazon, you must be aware of their screams and if they will disturb your neighbors.

They are not good candidates for apartment living because of the noise and it is likely that your landlord will not allow it to continue.

Everyone in the household should also be aware of the noise possibility and should be prepared to join in with behavior techniques.

 

Does the time of day impact Amazon noise levels?

Time of day can impact your bird’s noise levels.

It is more common for Amazons to be noisy at dawn and at sunset.

These active times reflect a natural rhythm that your bird would fall into in the wild, and should be expected.

This behavior speaks to the importance of light regulation.

Be sure that your Amazon has plenty of natural light or well-balanced and timed artificial light so that their sleep schedule can be well regulated.

This will help your bird’s mental health and avoid screaming from stress or tiredness.

They may also be simply screaming for their breakfast or dinner!

Your bird will likely learn their meal schedule, so expect to hear from your Amazon during mealtimes as well.

 

How loud are Amazons in comparison to other parrots?

Amazons are considered among the loudest types of parrots, ranking among the top eight most noisy parrots.

Amazons are considered less noisy than cockatoos and macaws, both of which have a reputation for loud screaming and noise.

Amazons are louder than conures, though many say that their conure is vocal more frequently, thus causing more disruption than an Amazon.

Birds that are notably quieter than an Amazon include parakeets, lovebirds, and cockatiels.

These smaller birds would be more suited to an apartment than the louder Amazon.

Lastly, it should be noted that there are many species of Amazon parrot.

Blue front Amazons and lilac-crowned Amazons are louder on average than yellow-headed Amazons.

Every bird also will have their own personality.

If you are looking for a quieter Amazon, be sure to work closely with the rescue or breeder to make sure you get a good personality match.

Consider adopting an older bird, as they will experience less hormonal behavior change and may be calmer.

You will also likely have a clear sense of an older bird’s personality.

In the end, Amazon noise levels are subjective, dependent on the individual bird and the family.

If you plan around your living situation and choose an Amazon with a good personality fit then you will love your chatty new family member.


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