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Orange-winged Amazon (also known as the Orange-winged Parrot)
Secondary Flight Feather (Remige), potentially a tail covert but most likely a speculum-area secondary

Orange-winged Amazon (also known as the Orange-winged Parrot)

Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Psittaciformes; Family: Psittacidae; Genus: Amazona; Species: Amazona amazonica

Family: Psittacidae (True Parrots)

Shape
Slightly asymmetrical vane with a rounded tip; broad and elongated with a subtle taper toward the base
Size
Estimated 4-6 inches in length. This is consistent with the secondary feathers of a medium-sized Amazon parrot (11-13 inches bird length).
Rarity
Common (Abundant within its native range; regularly encountered in aviculture and urban parrot colonies).
Learn more about Orange-winged Amazon (also known as the Orange-winged Parrot) in the encyclopedia →

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Description

A medium-sized green parrot roughly 13 inches long. It features blue and yellow on the head with distinctive orange patches in the wings and tail which are visible in flight. They are vocal and social birds.

Colour & Pattern

Brilliant saturated orange on the outer vane transitioning to a slightly darker or greenish charcoal base; the orange is a carotenoid-based pigment characteristic of the Amazona genus.

Barb Structure

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the distal two-thirds; plumulaceous (downy) structure at the base for insulation

Texture & Surface

Smooth, glossy, and slightly waxy; the pennaceous portion is stiff and provides lift, while the surface reflects a healthy satin sheen.

Key Features

The specific hue of 'safety orange' concentrated on one side of the vane (outer web) is a diagnostic trait for the orange-winged speculum area of this species.

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions, including gallery forests, mangroves, savannas, and more recently, suburban parks with fruiting trees.

Geographic Range

Native to South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Guianas, Brazil). Naturalized exotic populations exist in Miami and parts of Southern California and Europe.

Ecological Role

Seed predator and disperser; they play a vital role in tropical forest regeneration by consuming fruits and spreading seeds over wide areas.

Similar Species

Turquoise-fronted Amazon (blue on head, red in wings), Red-lored Amazon (red forehead). Distinguishable by the orange vs. red speculum patch.

Interesting Facts

The orange color in their feathers comes from pigments called psittacofulvins, which are unique to parrots and are not found in any other bird families.

Condition Notes

Excellent condition. The barbs are perfectly zipped (not separated), indicating it was likely freshly molted rather than pulled or damaged by a predator.

Orange-winged Amazon (also known as the Orange-winged Parrot) | Feather Identifier