Orange-winged Amazon

The orange-winged amazon, or Amazona amazonica, is a vibrant member of the parrot family, Psittacidae. This large bird, known locally as the orange-winged parrot or loro guaro, is adorned with a predominantly green plumage. It measures approximately 33 cm in length and tips the scales at around 340 grams. A distinctive feature is the presence of blue and yellow feathers on its head, the extent of which varies among individuals. The upper mandible of its beak is a combination of horn-like gray and dark gray, while its namesake orange feathers are revealed in the wings and tail during flight. Both sexes are identical in external appearance, making it a challenge to distinguish males from females based on plumage alone.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the orange-winged amazon in the wild, look for its green body, accented with blue and yellow on the head. The orange feathers in the wings and tail are particularly noticeable when the bird is in flight. The dual-colored beak is also a key characteristic to observe.

Habitat

This amazon parrot favors the lushness of forests and semi-open country. It thrives in the tropical climates of South America.

Distribution

The orange-winged amazon is a resident breeding bird with a range that spans from Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, southward to Peru, Bolivia, and central Brazil. Notably, introduced breeding populations have established themselves in Puerto Rico and Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Behaviour

The orange-winged amazon is a gregarious and vocal species, known for its loud, high-pitched screams. It is a communal rooster, gathering in palm and other trees in large numbers, particularly noticeable at dawn and dusk. This bird has adapted to urban environments in some areas, becoming a common feral bird in locales such as Miami, Florida, and even London, England.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the orange-winged amazon includes a series of noisy and high-pitched screams, which are characteristic of this species.

Breeding

Breeding behavior for the orange-winged amazon involves nesting in tree cavities. The female lays a clutch of typically three to four white eggs, which she incubates for about 26 days. The fledglings then leave the nest approximately 60 days post-hatching. There have been observations of this species hybridizing with other parrot species in non-native environments.

Similar Species

While the orange-winged amazon is distinctive, it may be confused with other amazon parrots. However, the combination of its coloration, particularly the orange feathers in the wings and tail, helps differentiate it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the orange-winged amazon is varied, including fruit, seeds, nuts, blossoms, leaf buds, and berries. It has a particular fondness for the fruit of palm trees and has been known to consume cocoa, mangoes, and oranges.

Conservation status

Currently, the orange-winged amazon is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it faces pressures from being hunted as a food source, capture for the pet trade, and persecution as an agricultural pest. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the continued survival of this species in its native habitat.