These parrots are herbivores, eating fruits, flowers, nuts, and other parts of plants.

Yellow-naped Amazons learn extensively from the other members of their flock, including vocalizations. Natural populations have demostrated regional dialects, where different flocks make slightly different sets of sounds. These dialects have regional boundaries that remain stable over time.

Breeding pairs of Yellow-naped Amazons engage in courtship rituals that involve mutual preening and vocalizations. Once a pair has formed a strong bond, they will select a nesting site in a hollow tree and prepare it for egg-laying. The female lays 2 to 4 white eggs and incubates them for 24 to 28 days. The male brings her food during this time.

They are listed as Critically Endangered because their population has declined by over 90% in the last three generations. Their population is in such steep decline due to capture for the pet trade and habitat loss.

This species' maximum lifespan is around 60 years.