Blue-fronted Amazon (also known as the Turquoise-fronted Parrot)

This feather belongs to the Blue-fronted Amazon, a stocky green parrot approximately 15 inches long. They are famous for their blue 'eyebrow' patch and bright yellow face and wing-bends. Their voices are loud and squawky, and they are known as one of the best 'talkers' among parrots.

Tri-color transition: The tip shows deep turquoise-cyan, transitioning into a bright canary-yellow mid-section, with a lime-green base. This bi-chromatic and tri-chromatic variation is diagnostic of the head plumage of this species.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs at the top two-thirds; fluffy plumulaceous structure at the base near the calamus.

Smooth and slightly waxy texture; the upper surface has a matte to semi-glossy finish typical of psittacine feathers which contain psittacofulvins.

Distinctive three-tone color block (turquoise, yellow, green) on a single small contour feather; blunt rounded tip.

Woodlands, riverine forests, savannas (Cerrado and Chaco), and palm groves; frequently visits agricultural areas.

Primarily South America, ranging through eastern and northern Bolivia, southwestern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.

Seed predator and disperser; their presence often indicates a healthy, diverse forest structure capable of supporting large cavity-nesting birds.

Yellow-naped Amazon (lacks the blue), Orange-winged Amazon (has orange in the wing/tail rather than blue on the face).

The Blue-fronted Amazon can live for over 50 to 60 years in captivity. Their name 'aestiva' is Latin for 'summer,' though it is unclear why this specific name was chosen for the species.

Fair condition; shows some mechanical wear and slight separation of the barbs (split vane) on the right side, likely a naturally molted feather.

A zoo