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What is an Orange-Winged Amazon?

Debra Durkee
Debra Durkee

The orange-winged Amazon has the distinction of being the only one of the Amazon parrots with orange feathers on its wings, giving the breed its name. It is native to Trinidad and Tobago and tropical regions in South America, and shares its natural habitats with a variety of Amazon parrots. The bird is also known for being a friendly, social parrot; intelligent and easy to train, it can make an excellent pet.

A relatively small parrot when compared to other Amazons, the orange-winged Amazon is only about 12 to 13 inches (about 31 to 33 cm) in length, with some subspecies reaching a mature size of only about 10 inches (25 cm). Most of the plumage is green, with a blue spot on the forehead and yellow patches on the cheeks and on top of the head. The orange feathers on the wings are only a small patch, a coloring called a speculum. The beak of the orange-winged Amazon is the same color as a bull's horns at the base, with a gray tip. Male and female birds have the same coloring.

The orange-winged Amazon shares its rain forest habitat with many other parrots.
The orange-winged Amazon shares its rain forest habitat with many other parrots.

Easily bred in captivity, female birds will lay between two and four eggs in the spring. After about 28 days the eggs will hatch, and the young birds will remain in the nest until they are between eight and 10 weeks old. While the female takes care of the young, the male will double the food that he eats so he can return to the nest to regurgitate for his mate and offspring. When they finally emerge form the nest, young birds are mostly green with a speckling of yellow, orange, or blue feathers.

Whether domestic or wild, the orange-winged Amazon is a social bird that enjoys company. In the wild, they can be found living in flocks of up to hundreds of bird. When kept in captivity as pets, they enjoy being near people and in the center of activity.

While they can be temperamental, orange-winged Amazons are intelligent, adaptable, and quick to learn. Many can be taught to mimic human speech, but they can also be challenging to owners who do not know what to expect from them. They can be aggressive chewers, and those allowed out of their cages will regard anything in the house as a toy meant for them. Supplying these playful birds with plenty of their own toys is a necessity for happy, healthy, and well-behaved parrots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Orange-Winged Amazon?

The Orange-Winged Amazon is a medium-sized parrot native to South America, known for its vibrant green plumage with orange accents on its wings and tail. It's a social and intelligent bird, often kept as a pet due to its ability to mimic human speech and its generally affectionate nature.

Where can Orange-Winged Amazons be found in the wild?

Orange-Winged Amazons are indigenous to a wide range of South America, from Colombia and Venezuela down to Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. They inhabit tropical forests, savannas, and mangrove swamps, where they live in flocks and feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds.

How long do Orange-Winged Amazons live?

In captivity, Orange-Winged Amazons can live up to 50 years or more with proper care, which includes a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and mental stimulation. In the wild, their lifespan is typically shorter due to predation and environmental factors.

Are Orange-Winged Amazons endangered?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Orange-Winged Amazons are currently classified as Least Concern. However, they face threats from habitat loss and the pet trade, which could impact their populations in the future.

What do Orange-Winged Amazons eat?

Orange-Winged Amazons have a diet consisting of fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and occasionally flowers and leaf buds. In captivity, it's important to provide a varied diet that includes high-quality pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a limited amount of seeds to prevent obesity.

How can I tell if an Orange-Winged Amazon is right for me as a pet?

Before adopting an Orange-Winged Amazon, consider their long lifespan, need for social interaction, and potential for loud vocalizations. They require a committed owner who can provide ample space, enrichment, and attention. Researching their care requirements and spending time with Amazons before deciding can help ensure a good match.

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    • The orange-winged Amazon shares its rain forest habitat with many other parrots.
      By: mtilghma
      The orange-winged Amazon shares its rain forest habitat with many other parrots.