Orange-Winged Amazon

The Orange-winged Amazon (Amazona amazonica) is a popular parrot species known for its vibrant colors and lively personality. Here are key details about this bird and how to care for it:
Description

Size: Orange-winged Amazons are medium-sized parrots, typically measuring about 31-33 cm (12-13 inches) in length.
Appearance: They have predominantly green plumage with blue and yellow markings on the head and orange feathers on the wings, which are most visible in flight. Their beaks are dark gray.
Lifespan: With proper care, they can live 40 to 60 years in captivity.

Habitat

Distribution: These birds are native to South America, ranging from Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas south to Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.
Environment: Orange-winged Amazons inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, savannas, and sometimes mangroves. They are also found in cultivated areas and urban settings.

Behavior

Social Structure: In the wild, they are often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are social and enjoy interaction with their flock or human caregivers.
Diet in the Wild: Their natural diet includes a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and leaves.

Care in Captivity

Diet: Provide a balanced diet consisting of high-quality commercial pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional seeds and nuts. Avoid feeding them chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, avocado, and foods high in salt or sugar, as these can be toxic.
Housing: Orange-winged Amazons need a spacious cage, at least 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 36 inches high. Ensure the cage has strong bars and is equipped with multiple perches of varying sizes and textures.
Enrichment: These intelligent birds require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Provide a variety of toys, including foraging toys, chew toys, and interactive toys. Rotate toys regularly to keep them engaged.
Social Interaction: Orange-winged Amazons thrive on social interaction and need regular interaction with their human caregivers. Provide daily out-of-cage time and ensure they receive plenty of attention and mental stimulation.
Training: Positive reinforcement training helps in managing their behavior and enhancing the bond with their owner. Use consistent, reward-based training sessions to teach commands and tricks.
Health Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial. Watch for signs of illness such as changes in appetite, droppings, or behavior. Maintain a clean living environment and ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Common Challenges

Noise: Orange-winged Amazons can be quite vocal, especially in the mornings and evenings. They communicate with a variety of sounds, including squawks and whistles.
Chewing: They have a natural instinct to chew, so provide plenty of safe chewing materials to prevent them from damaging household items.
Social Needs: These birds require significant social interaction and can become bored and stressed if left alone for long periods.