Can Amazon Parrots Live in Apartments? The Honest Answer Explained
Thinking about keeping an Amazon parrot in your apartment? Here’s how loud they really get, when they’re noisiest, and how to keep neighbors happy.
Amazon parrots have earned a reputation for being some of the most charismatic birds in the avian world. They’re playful, intelligent, full of personality, and famous for their impressive talking abilities.
And alongside all of that charm comes one trait every prospective owner should be prepared for: their volume.
The short answer is yes, Amazon parrots can be very loud.
But the longer answer is a little more nuanced—noise levels vary from one Amazon species to another, and factors like personality, environment, and daily routine all influence how vocal an individual bird will be. Plus, what sounds unbearably loud to one person may seem perfectly manageable to someone who’s grown up around parrots.
So… How Loud are Amazon Parrots, Really?
Amazon parrots have a well earned reputation for being vocal… but where do they really rank on the parrot volume scale?
While they certainly aren’t the quietest birds you can own, they also aren’t the loudest (that title generally belongs to cockatoos).
An Amazon parrot’s calls have been measured at around 124 decibels, making them impressively loud when they want to be.
For comparison, a typical conversation is around 60 decibels, while laughter averages about 65 decibels. That means when an Amazon decides it’s time to make itself heard, everyone in the house—and probably a few neighbors—will know about it.
The encouraging news is that Amazon parrots are known more for their chatter, songs, whistles, and enthusiastic vocal performances than for constant screaming. Many owners describe their birds as natural entertainers, happily filling the house with sound throughout the day.
And while they certainly can produce ear piercing calls, many Amazons reserve those louder vocalizations for moments of excitement, alarm, or their predictable morning and evening “parrot announcements.”
Keep in mind that every bird is an individual, but compared with notoriously loud species like cockatoos and sun conures, Amazon parrots are often considered vocal performers rather than habitual screamers.
So if you’re comfortable sharing your home with a bird that loves to sing, talk, whistle, and occasionally remind the entire neighborhood that it’s breakfast time, an Amazon might just be a wonderful fit for you.
Not all Amazons are Created Equal When it Comes to Volume
Many first time parrot owners don’t realize that “Amazon parrot” isn’t a single species—it’s actually an entire group of parrots, and each of then have their own personality, temperament, and noise level.
While every bird is an individual, some Amazon species have a reputation for being a little more laid back, while others are known for being especially outgoing and vocal.
If noise is high on your list of concerns, it’s worth researching individual species before making a decision. Choosing an Amazon whose natural temperament is a better fit for your home can make a huge difference—and remember, early socialization, enrichment, and proper care also play an important role in shaping how vocal your bird becomes.
When are Amazon Parrots Loud
One reassuring thing about Amazon parrots is that they typically aren’t loud at random throughout the day.
Their vocalizations tend to follow a fairly predictable routine, which can make life a little easier for owners—especially those living in apartments or close knit neighborhoods.
Like many parrot species, Amazons naturally participate in what’s often called a “flock call.” In the wild, these louder vocal sessions help birds communicate with one another at sunrise and again as evening approaches.
Your pet Amazon will probably follow that same instinct, greeting the morning and winding down the day with an enthusiastic chorus of calls, whistles, or songs that can last anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes.
But for the rest of the day, most well socialized Amazon parrots are far more likely to entertain themselves with talking, whistling, singing, and mimicking everyday sounds than they are to scream continuously.
While every bird has its moments, a happy, mentally stimulated Amazon typically reserves its loudest performances for those predictable morning and evening check-ins.
Can Amazon Parrots Actually Live in an Apartment?
The bigger question on everyones mind is, ok great, but can you actually successfully keep an Amazon parrot in an apartment?
The honest answer is yes—but it’s important to go in with realistic expectations.
Your bird’s personality, the species you choose, the construction of your building, and even your relationship with your neighbors can all influence whether apartment living is a good fit.
There’s no getting around it: Amazon parrots are naturally talkative birds with surprisingly powerful voices.
They may not scream all day long, but when they decide it’s time to make themselves heard, chances are everyone nearby will hear them too.
That’s why it’s important to think realistically before bringing one home. A little planning now can help prevent future problems, including noise complaints that could put your bird’s home at risk.
That said, apartment living and Amazon parrots can absolutely coexist.
Many owners successfully keep these intelligent, social birds in apartments and condominiums—it simply comes down to thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and creating the right environment for both you and your bird from the start.
To help create a setup where both you and your Amazon parrot can thrive, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
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TIP #1
Choose Your Species Carefully
Some Amazon species are naturally more vocal than others. If noise is a concern, consider one of the quieter species and spend time getting to know an individual bird’s personality before making your decision.
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TIP #2
Be Proactive With Your Neighbors
A friendly introduction and a conversation about your new pet can go a long way. Most people are much more understanding when they know what to expect.
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TIP #3
Plan for Morning and Evening Flock Calls
Because these vocal periods are a normal part of Amazon behavior, it helps to build your daily routine around them whenever possible. Many owners find that maintaining a consistent schedule helps minimize excessive calling.
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TIP #4
Reduce Noise Where You Can
Area rugs, heavy curtains, upholstered furniture, and thoughtful cage placement can all help absorb sound and reduce how much noise carries through your home.
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TIP #5
Keep Your Bird Mentally Engaged
An Amazon parrot with plenty of toys, enrichment, training sessions, and daily interaction is less likely to develop attention seeking vocal habits. Mental stimulation is one of the best tools for encouraging appropriate behavior.
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TIP #6
Know Your Building’s Pet Policies
Before bringing home any parrot, review your lease, HOA rules, or local noise regulations. Understanding the expectations ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary stress later.
With the right preparation, apartment living and Amazon parrot ownership can absolutely go hand in hand.
The key is choosing the right bird, creating an enriching home environment, and setting realistic expectations for everyone involved—including your neighbors.
Will an Amazon Parrot “Liven Up” Your Apartment?
Absolutely—Amazon parrots are full of personality. These birds are known for their bold, expressive, and sometimes downright theatrical nature.
They’re confident, social, curious, and often hilariously motivated by their favorite foods. Many Amazons form incredibly strong bonds with their people, want to be involved in everything happening around them, and have a well earned reputation as some of the most talented talkers in the parrot world.
If you’re looking for a companion who brings conversation, entertainment, a little drama, and a lot of charm into your home, an Amazon parrot certainly delivers.
Just remember that all that personality comes with a voice to match—your new feathered roommate will add plenty of life to your apartment, along with a soundtrack your neighbors might not have requested.
The Bottom Line on Amazon Noise Levels
Amazon parrots are undeniably vocal—but that doesn’t automatically make them a poor choice for apartment living.
With the right species, realistic expectations, and a commitment to providing plenty of enrichment and daily interaction, many Amazon owners successfully enjoy apartment life with their beloved birds.
That said, it’s important to be honest about your lifestyle. If a quiet home and noise sensitive neighbors are your top priorities, you may be happier with a naturally quieter parrot species, such as a Pionus parrot, a Senegal parrot, or even a well socialized Cockatiel.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a companion with an outsized personality, remarkable intelligence, impressive talking abilities, and the potential to form an incredibly close bond, an Amazon parrot is hard to beat.
Just remember that their voice is part of the package—and for many owners, it’s a small trade off for sharing their life with one of the most engaging companions in the avian world.

