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South America has A very diverse selection of parrots, Ranging from the small parrotlets, to the largest of all parrots the macaws. Many different species are common in aviculture. |
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Macaws |
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Amazons |
When we think "parrot" The bird that most often comes to mind is the Amazon parrot. These stocky birds come from the rainforest. Amazons are the parrots that pirates of lore (and real ones) let ride around on their shoulders. Amazons, like my Orange wing Amazon, (Amozona amozonica) Captain Morgan, on the right, are Superbly intelligent birds. They are generally good talkers, wonderful companions, and they can live a long time, similar to the lifespan of the macaws. |
Amazon parrots, as pets can have a few
negative features. For one they often bond strongly to one family
member, and can actually be aggressive towards others. Cock amazons
can also get a little hot around the collar around breeding
season. They also have loud contact calls in the morning and
evening, which can bother some people |
Macaws
are the largest parrots in the world. Hyacinth macaws (Andorhynchus
hyacinthinus) being the largest of the macaw species. They can exceed 40
inches in length. on the right is Crash, my macaw is a Hybrid, a
Millifons Macaw, (Ara militaris militaris
X ambigua) and is about 30 inches long. She is quite an
intelligent and impressive bird. Most macaw species are unfortunately critically endangered
in the wild. They have been hunted for their
feathers and skins and for the pet trade. Probably the biggest
threat to these large and complex birds is the destruction of their
habitats. Macaws need a lot of space in the wild and have a slow
reproductive rate. Large macaws can live to be 70 years old,
and often live to at least 50. Crash, my macaw is about 4 years old, and
is quite a handful. She's still young, and still learning the
ropes, about being a parrot. She can be quite
rammy at times, and
does bite some, often in play. She loves to chew and can tear most anything
apart. She even tore apart a steel parrot bell.
She's a loud bird, but also also an excellent talker, and knows how to
laugh, and repeat many
different words and phrases.
Also
at 12 inches is the Nanday conure (Nendaya nendayas). Though not known
to be good talkers, Munk-E, my nanday conure, says his name and several
other sayings quite clearly. Conures are kind of like tiny macaws.
One thing they share with their larger cousin is their noise level.
Conures, as a whole are loud.( I think their calls are reminiscent of a
blue jay) Some of the smaller species are not (the pyrrhura)
as loud, and their calls are more like that of the cockatiel. 
One thing hand fed conures like to do is cuddle. There very snuggly for
birds. Here you see bonkers asleep on my shoulder after some
extended -rope tug- with my hair. The Aratinga conures,
especially,
like to puff up into little balls of fluff when they're being
pet. There are several other members of the aritinga group,
Including the Gold capped conure (A Aurea) and the Sun conure
(A
solistalis) 
Here is stormy a Molinas conure( Pyrrhura molinae) they are also known
as the green cheek conure. these birds are quite a bit quieter then then
aratingas, and still like to cuddle and perform. They make excellent
pets, and have a fairly reliable temperament too. They are not known for
their talking abilities though. 
NEVER smoke around your
birds! Or any birds for that matter. Bird are very respiratory creatures
and breathing smoke can damage their lungs and air sacks. Smoke residue
can also cause birds to pick their feathers out. The same thing goes
with scented candles and and air fresheners. Birds can be extremely sensitive
to such odors, and some products such as fa-breeze have even "shown" to be
deadly, although there is mixed information weather this is a hoax or not,
floating around, Ask yourself, is it really worth the
risk? A product not to use if you own birds are Teflon
coated pans. These have shown to be dangerous - Birds are exceptionally sensitive to the fumes if the pans
burn. (5) Do not purchase birds from pet shops were people smoke around
them either. These birds will often have breathing troubles for the rest
of their lives. Do not support places that allow this type of behavior
to go on by buying these birds. 
There usually significantly cheaper then hand fed parrots, and
some may have no closed bands on their legs. They could have been
stolen, be sick or even wild caught! Wild caught Hookbill
birds can not legally imported into the united states. All wild
caught parrots that are here legally are at least 10 or so years old.
Young birds are occasionally and unfortunately still smuggled out
of the forests of their homeland by unscrupulous people looking to make
quick cash, at the cost of the future of a magnificent animal. There
are plenty of wonderful breeders who caringly hand raise these birds,
and these will make the best companions.
I have only listed some brief information of some of the parrots of south America,
and some aspects on their behavior and potential to the
aviculturist. All my explanations are somewhat brief, but there are
many excellent books on parrots well worth the time of the
individual just interested in these creatures, or the seasoned bird
keeper. Some excellent books every parrot owner, and lover
should have are....