• Origin and History
  • Temperament
  • Speech and Vocalizations
  • Colors and Markings
  • Care
  • Health Problems
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Where to Adopt or Buy
  • Further Research

Origin and History

Species Overview

At least one feral population is known to be near Stuttgart, Germany. This flock is likely the result of pet parrots escaping and forming a group that grew over time.

Temperament

While generally non-aggressive and friendly with other birds, some individuals will try to protect their keepers when they perceive danger. This species may “dive-bomb” a perceived threat by swooping down on it. During breeding or molting periods, males may become territorial.

Speech and Vocalizations

The primary color of this parrot is beautiful lime green. Their “blue-fronted” description comes from a blotch of blue or turquoise found just above the beak. Though this is the species’ trademark, breeding has created a wide range of markings on the birds’ heads. These markings make it easier to distinguish an individual parrot from the flock.

Some birds have no blue on the head while others have a head that is almost entirely turquoise. Yellow typically surrounds the blue and stretches over and under the head before giving way to the body’s bright green feathers. You might even find birds with white patches.

Generally, the blue-fronted has touches of bright red on the shoulders and flight feathers, which may also have a violet tint when in flight. This also varies by individual, and some have only green shoulders, particularly wild parrots found in northwestern Argentina.

Typically, the beaks are black, and the feet are grey. It’s a monomorphic species, so the males and females look alike. The only way to know the sex of your bird is through DNA or surgical sexing.

The more activities around the house you can include your parrot in, the happier it will be. Whether you’re watching TV, cleaning up, or eating dinner, the blue-fronted will want to be part of the action. A portable play stand that you can move from room to room makes a good exercise area. Your bird will amuse you with his acrobatic antics.

Common Health Problems

Diet and Nutrition

A healthy diet should consist of high-quality pellets, a quality seed mix, and daily servings of fresh, bird-safe fruits and vegetables.

Specially formulated pellets are an ideal food and should ideally represent approximately 75 to 80 percent of the bird’s diet. Fruits, vegetables, and greens should account for about 20 to 25 percent of the daily diet. Seeds and nuts are high-fat foods that you can offer as occasional treats. Start by giving your bird 1 cup of pellet-based parrot mix and a 1/2 cup of fruits and vegetables daily, then adjust according to their appetite.

Warning

Essentially, many people foods that are considered healthy are okay to feed these parrots in moderation, including chicken.

Exercise

  • Social and friendly

  • Intelligent, can learn to talk and do tricks

  • Can be loud, not well-suited for apartments

  • Requires at least 3 to 4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time

  • Petfinder

  • Best Friends Animal Society

  • Beauty of Birds breeder directory

Pricing ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on its age, hand-tameness, and breeder reputation.

More Pet Bird Species and Further Research

Otherwise, take a look at all of our other large parrot species profiles.

  • Parrots & Pet Birds

  • Huang, J. and J. Mayer. Avian Aspergillosis: What Every Veterinarian Needs to Know. Today’s Veterinary Practice

  • Hoppes, S. Bacterial Diseases of Pet Birds. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual

  • van Zeeland, Y. Diagnosing Endocrine Disease in Parrots. Vet Times

  • Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet. US Food & Drug Administration