Orange-winged Amazon

Looks how to spot one

Feathered; medium, short-tailed parrot

A mainly green Amazon with yellow on the forehead, crown and cheeks and blue to violet feathers around the eyes. The orange that gives it its name sits on the wing feathers and in the tail, and is mostly seen when the bird flies or spreads its wings. The upper beak is partly horn-coloured. Males and females look alike; young birds have grey-brown rather than orange eyes.123

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, energetic Amazon that is often a little calmer than its louder relatives. Orange-wings are more likely to mimic whistles and household sounds than to build a large vocabulary, though some learn a few words. They are social birds that enjoy being part of family life and are still quite vocal.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Needs lots of playtime and exercise to stay active, with climbing, flapping and daily out-of-cage time.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Rotate toys and include foraging activities to keep the bird busy.3

Home where they are happiest

A roomy cage with a play area; World Parrot Trust recommends aviaries of at least 3 m in length.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A balanced pellet diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit, going light on starchy and fatty foods. Wild birds eat palm fruits, figs, inga pods, seeds, flowers and cultivated fruits such as mango and citrus.31

Company who they like around

Very social. Wild birds roost together in groups of 200 or more; at home they need regular company from people or other birds.13

The story where it all began

Linnaeus described the orange-winged Amazon in 1766. It was a very common pet bird for decades and is widespread in the wild, and escaped birds have formed small free-living groups in places such as Miami and London.23

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy

Described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766 as Psittacus amazonicus. Wikipedia treats it as monotypic; World Parrot Trust lists two subspecies (amazonica and tobagensis).2

IUCN Red List

Least Concern.1

CITES

Appendix II.1

Aviculture

Described as fairly common in captivity.1