That is curious. Nick and Geoffrey are certainly correct that these are not any Australian species. Certainly in an aviary. It does look like the Amazon parrots
but hard to know. Hard to rule out some of the African and many Asian or Pacific island species on that photo. Even if it was in colour, there are so many Amazona ones it would be a challenge and there could be more than one species. However the number shown
is strange. Amazona parrots are common pets in America and Europe now. Some cities in America have feral flocks of them composed of several different species and have a lot of hybrids. There is a book and a movie about them. It occurs to me that I have rarely
seen them in Australia. Apart from the Conure species that are also from South America but those are slender with long tails so it is not Conures. So I did an internet search of Amazona parrots in Australia. Curiously it does not differentiate prices by species.
I don’t understand that. I found the below (note this is “each”).
I count 21 birds in this photo and the setup suggest there may have ben more. A calculation would give the current value to the birds in this photo something
over $40,000. Do you think that is likely? That makes me suspicious that the label may not be correct and it is not Australia. Unless the oddness of the situation is why the photo is of importance.
It is relevant that the photo probably is before import / export restrictions were imposed, however I suspect that it is likely that this photo is unlikely
to have been taken in Australia.
The below is among advertised along with aviary bred stock of other species of Asia, Australia and African parrots. The Amazona parrots are certainly the minority.
Philip
Amazon Parrot Pricing
The price for an Amazon Parrot ranges from $1,200 – $2,500.
The variance in price is effected by the following :
Fledgling –
From $1,200
A fledgling that has been raised by its parents, is still a baby but has left
the nest and is flying in an aviary. These birds can be taught to talk; however they are difficult to train unless highly experienced and dedicated.
Handled Baby –
From $1,500
A baby that has been fed by its parents and when it is a couple of weeks away
from leaving the nest, we spend time handling it. This may be 15 minutes, 3-4 times per day up until it fledges. Then the baby is taken inside the house and with a bit more human attention will become friendly. With this type of Amazon Parrot, constant handling
is normally required to keep the bird perfectly tame.
Hand Reared Baby –
This is the best way to invest in a baby companion pet for many kisses and cuddles. $1,800 – 2,500
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Geoffrey Dabb via Canberrabirds
Sent: Wednesday, 19 March, 2025 9:54 AM
To: 'Nick Payne'; 'Canberra Birds'
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] What parrots are these?
Possibly South American Amazona parrots, Nick, photographed in an aviary somewhere.
As a widely travelling Canberran you will be familiar with the attached scene. Since airing it at a talk the other night, I came across the below para in the speech by the swan-loving RGM in 'opening' the lake on 17 October 1964 -
-----Original Message-----
From: Canberrabirds <> On Behalf Of Nick Payne via Canberrabirds
Sent: Wednesday, 19 March 2025 6:31 AM
To: Canberra Birds <>
Subject: What parrots are these?
I went yesterday to the National Library and had a look at the exhibition of old Fairfax news photos. This photo was there, captioned "Perching parrots, NSW", but I don't recognise them as a species of Australian parrots. Any ideas?
Nick Payne
