If you’re looking at the Amazon parrot in the pet store window, you can thank Christopher Columbus for his presence. According to legend, he’s the individual responsible for bringing this particular category of parrot to North America. If you care to count them, you’ll discover that 27 sub-species of this bird exist. They can be found in many areas of South America as well a Mexico and the Caribbean Islands.

How do you know you’re looking at an Amazon parrot? First, this bird is green. And he has short wings. And if he’s older and already trained, he, like his Senegal cousin, can not only talk, but imitate certain sounds as well.

If you’re looking for intelligence, the smartest of these birds rival a three-year-old human. They are, scientists say, every bit as smart as the dolphin and the monkey.

In addition to his brains, the Amazon Parrot has energy! This bird is not only a playful bird, but he actually craves interaction with his human family. But be careful, just like any human toddler, he’s subject to the “terrible twos.” He can also be a moody bird.

As you might be able to guess from this list of attributes, it takes a special person or family to own an Amazon parrot. He needs lots of love! In fact, he craves far more love and attention that the average parrot owner can even imagine. Some owners have said that owning an Amazon is like owning a dog with wings.

Once he’s fully grown, the Amazon grows to be just over a foot tall and his life span is about that of the average human.