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Orange-winged Amazon

Orange-winged Parrot, Loro Guaro

Family: PsittacidaeOrange-winged Amazon - JuvenileAmazona amazonicaPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The Orange-winged Amazon is a charming, beautiful pet bird and a pretty good talker!

   The Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica, also known as the Orange-winged Parrot and Loro Guaro, is a very popular pet Amazon. They are very affectionate, attractive, and entertaining parrots. These pet birds are lots of fun, performing all sorts of antics and have a fair talking ability as well.

   While young, like the juvenile above, they are mostly green with just a few of the pretty yellow and blue feathers. Yet when they mature, they are lively, spectacular colored pet birds. Adults have bright yellow-orange and blue feathering on the face and head, and the bright orange on the wings they are named for.

   The Orange-winged Amazon has been popular as a pet for over 100 years. Known for being quite friendly, they are easy to tame and quite clever. These parrots also strongly desire the attention of their owners, and will perform all sorts of amusing antics to gain and keep it. They make a wonderful companion and will quickly form a strong bond with their owner, they can however be rather noisy.

   This is a robust and hardy bird that can do well indoors or outdoors. As is true with all Amazons, the Orange-winged Amazon is very social and enjoys the company of people as well as other birds. They can also be quite independent, and will probably have a favorite in the family. They can become quite attached to one person if not well socialized at a young age. But if well socialized, they will treat other members of the family as part of the flock. The Orange-winged parrot is also prone to a hormonal stage as it matures. This is a good choice for an experienced bird keepers who wants to form a close relationship with a parrot.

For more information about Amazon Birds see:
Amazon Parrot: Information and Care

Geographic Distribution Amazona amazonica Data provided by GBIF.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

Scientific name   Amazona amazonica

• Subspecies:
• Amazona amazonica amazonica - nominate species
• Amazona amazonica tobagensis - they are a bit larger than the nominate species, with a more extensive orange found on the speculum (secondary feathers of the wings).

Distribution    The Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica was first described by Linnaeus in 1766. It is also known as the Orange-winged Parrot and Loro Guaro. They are found in most of northern and central South America as well as the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. In the wild they are seen in pairs or flocks, and are sometimes seen in flocks with others species, like the Blue-fronted Amazon Amazona aestiva.

  They inhabit all types of forests, damp woods, mangrove swamps, and bamboo clumps. In the wild these birds eat fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, blossoms and leaf buds. They also forage in corn fields and have come to be considered quite a pesky nuisance by the locals.

Status   The Amazona amazonica is on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species as Least Concern (LC).

Description   The name of the Orange-winged Amazon is derived from a distinct yellow-orange on the bend of the wing and the speculum (secondary feathers of the wings). They also have yellow-orange on the crown and on the front of the cheeks. The rest of the cheek is a bright green and they often fluff their cheeks out, making them look like they have "mutton chop" sideburns.

   Their bodies are mostly green from head to tail, with the under parts a bit lighter green. There are hints of blues in the throat and on the crown. The feathers on the back of the neck and upper back are edged with a dusky black. The tail is green tipped with a light yellowish-green, has some oranges on the underside, and some green barring on the top. The beak is a horn color becoming gray at the tip. The eye is orange with a grayish white eye ring, and the legs are a pale gray.

  Juveniles are mostly green with few of the yellow-orange or blue feathers seen in the adult. The eyes are a dark brown to grayish brown. Orange-winged Parrots are a medium sized amazons. Mature birds are about 12 - 13 inches (31 - 33 cm) long from the head to the tip of the tail. They reach maturity in about the 4 - 5 year range with a lifespan of 60 plus years.

Care and feeding    In the wild, the diet of the Orange-winged Parrot consists of fruits, plants, seeds and nuts, corn, and probably some protein. A pet bird will enjoy a varied diet, including a quality seed mix or a pelleted diet, and many fresh fruits and vegetables. Plenty of human food that is nutritious can be offered, and they like cheese and chicken. Avocado and chocolate are toxic to any parrot. They like to eat at the table and enjoy eating with their family. They will let you know when it's dinner time.

Housing   A roomy cage is required for the Orange-winged Amazon. Amazon parrot cages must not be too confining, so get one that your pet will be able to feel comfortable in. It is their territory and their safe place.This parrot likes to climb and play, and enjoys expanding its wings. It is recommended that a cage be 2 x 3 feet wide and 2 1/2 to 5 feet high, and with a play pen top. A great thing is to have a hanging perch above that for climbing.

   Orange-winged Parrots can tolerate varying temperatures, but they need to be kept away from any drafts. They love to be out of their cage on a playpen, and will enjoy interacting with their human as well as playing with toys. A variety of perches should be used of varying size and texture. A rougher textured perch instead of the smooth, doll-rod types, makes it easier for them to perch and is better for their feet and legs. A concrete perch can be placed as the highest perch in the cage and next to a toy. At times during the day they will perch there and it will save them (and you) from the ordeal of having their nails filed.

   Have fun during bath time. Whether you spritz your amazon with water or an aloe spritz, or just put him in the kitchen sink, make it fun. Your amazon will teach you how he likes to be bathed.

Maintenance   The basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Weekly you should wash all the perches and dirty toys, and the floor should be washed about every other week. A total hosing down and disinfecting of an aviary should be done yearly, replacing anything that needs to be freshened, such as old dishes, toys and perches.

Social Behaviors    These parrots enjoy human interaction as well as interaction with other birds. They like to be greeted when you come into the room. They like to eat at the table and will let you know when it's dinner time. They are quite content and comfortable to be on a perch and in the company of its humans.

   Whether watching TV or eating dinner, the Orange-winged wants to be with you. The more your amazon is around its human counterparts, the more socialized it is and the more it will talk, sing and mimic. You will establish a greater attachment between you and your feathered friend the more you are together.

Handling/Training   The Orange-winged Amazon quickly becomes accustomed to a new environment and its keeper, and is then ready to start bird training. Generally though, you should give a new arrival a few days to get use to you, your voice and its cage before trying to handle it. A hand fed baby will not need much taming and can often be handled right away, as it is use to human attention.

   For information about training your Blue Front parrot see: Amazon Parrot Care: Handling and Training

Activities   The Orange-winged is an active amazon and needs plenty of toys. It also needs room to stretch its wings, they love to climb. A hanging perch mounted above the cage top playpen works great. A moveable perch that can follow you around the house is almost a requirement. This parrot likes to play, will make its own music and dance, and is quite an acrobat. They entertain themselves quite well and you will enjoy it.

Sexing - Sexual Differences   Orange-winged Amazons are not sexually dimorphic, females look like males. If gender identification is important (for example for breeding birds) DNA / Feather or surgical sexing is recommended.

Breeding/Reproduction   These Amazons are commonly bred in captivity. But the sexes must be confirmed and the pair must be harmonious, bonded with each other. They will need a nest box that is 31"-39" (80-100 cm) high with an inside diameter of 12"-14" (30-35 cm) and an opening of 4"-5" (10-12 cm). Provide some soft bedding material inside on the bottom of the box.

   The hen will lay two to four eggs (sometimes 5) which she will incubate for about 29 days. The young will leave the nest at proximately 9 weeks old. In some cases the female will not feed all the chicks so a breeder will be feeding some from day one.

Potential Problems    The Orange-winged Amazon can be noisy, having a harsh screech. They will make noise early in the morning and when the sun is setting. This usually lasts for about 10 minutes. This is it just waking up and letting you know it is up, or getting ready for bed. These parrots when well cared for will seldom become ill. Though it is often difficult to determine illness, some visible signs of illness to be aware of are:

• ruffled plumage
• listlessness
• drooping wings
• sagging body
• extreme mood changes
• having no appetite
• bulges in feathering
• partially closed or watery eyes
• swelling of the eyelids
• rasping
• difficulty breathing
• excessive saliva
• dirty vent
• any change in the feces not apparently diet related.

   Some of the more common illnesses are:

• Psittacosis (chlamydiosis or parrot fever)
• bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• feather picking (results of boredom, poor diet, sexual frustration, lack of bathing)
• allergies
• chewing flight and tail feathers by juveniles
• beak malformations in chicks
• Papillomas
• kidney disease (gout)
• toxicity
• heavy metal poisoning
• lipomas in older birds.

   If you notice any of these bird illnesses in your Orange-winged parrot, immediately provide a warm, draft free, secure environment kept at about 86°F (30°C). Place food and water close to the perch where it is easily accessible. An ailing parrot should be taken to a avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Availability   The Orange-winged Amazon or Orange-winged Parrot is readily available and it should be easy to find one in a pet store or from breeders in your area..

References

• Animal-World References: Pet Birds - Exotic Birds
• Dr. David Alderton, The Atlas of Parrots of the World, T.F.H. Publications, Inc. 1991
• David Alderton, Parrots, Salamander Books, 1999
• David Alderton,, A Bird Keeper's Guide to Parrots and Macaws, Salamander Books, 1989
• Arthur Freud, All About The Parrots, Howell Book House, 1986
• Werner and Susanne Lantermann, Amazon Parrots, Barron's Educational Series, Inc. 1988
• Orange-winged Amazon, Also Known As: Orange-winged Parrot, World Parrot Trust, copyright 2009

Author: Clarice Brough CAS

Lastest Comments on Orange-winged Amazon View all 53 comments on Orange-winged Amazon Add Your Comment

Melissa Ann Knapp Wilbur - 2012-05-23 I have a 5yr year old one wing amazon. I rescued him he lived in a parakeet cage for 4yrs he is my love my heart and he knows I rescued him. He was so mean when I got him now he follows me all over the house :) Reply

Denzel - 2012-05-20 I have OW for about two weeks now and I believe she is 4 months old. She loves to screech and whistle and so far only says morning. She hates strangers and is very sweet. She comes out of her cage a lot and has a great time while out!!! She is a great pet I am glad we got her :) Charlie Roche - 2012-05-20 Yes, they make an excellent pet. They are normally timid around strangers. Don't foget to start with the 'step up' command so it will be used to you picking him up. Start putting words to things he does now. Step up, kiss, hug, pretty (and you can pull his wing out and say pretty), etc Reply

ruth - 2012-04-18 Can anybody tell me why my mums parrots eyes keep changing colour? Charlie Roche - 2012-04-18 The eyes aren't really changing color - the pupils are dilating (getting bigger and smaller) and it is frequently called pinning. The pupils expand so the eyes look darker or the pupils contract and the eyes take on a brighter color often times looking like there are actual rings of a different color (usually an orange) on the outside. It is a language - a body language. By watching the eyes and trying to determine the mood you can frequently tell when your parrot is haopy, sad, relaxed and or mad. If you see those pupils get real small and a fixed stare often in conjunction with a growl - leave him alone. If you see regular sized pupils and that relaxed furry look - it is gee I sure would like some attention. Any body language is different based on personality of the bird but it is another way a parrot does express himself. It is quite obvious in amazons. Reply

David Buss - 2011-10-16 Just got our 3 month old OW today. He/she is so smart it only took 7 hrs to learn to put his head by my hand to scratch his neck[pin feathers]. Is a very loving bird and just wants to be near his flock. David Brough - 2011-10-17 How cool is that? Sounds like you have a friendly member of your flock! David Buss - 2011-10-21 My baby is doing very well after just a few days. Fiji loves to perch on my hand or fingers and or play on my chest and stomach. He has many toys but loves his plastic fork the best. His foot coordination is getting very good and he loves to have his neck and cheeks rubbed [gently]. He lets me know when I rub to hard but has not drawn blood yet. LOL. He is very loving and I can tell he is going to make a great pet/companion. Charlie Roche - 2011-10-22 Amazons are great and the orange wing is one of the less tempermental ones. I like all amazons but find some are just more loving and cuddly than others. Orange Wing is one of them. It is so great to have a pet that will actually talk back 'at you'. My human would tell our Amazon (a panama named Peppy to be quiet) abd Peppy would say 'no no no' etc. He memorized much of the dialogue from watching the Nija Turtles on TV and some people came to the home and Peppy said 'drop your drawers, I have a pistol' It was clear. Enjoy and have fun and talk to her a lot. They talk - they learn - they love musicals and cartoons like Surf's Up and Ninja Turtles. David Buss - 2012-04-17 Update ,Fuji is doing great. She turned 9 months yesterday. Fuji says wow, hi ,pretty bird and green bean(her nick name). She has three room mates, all African Grays. They all have their own cages. Fuji is very vocal and loves to whistle and schreech when you ignore her. She is learning to control some of her temper, but we still love her. Reply

Shannon - 2009-07-24 I rescued an OW amazon from a terrible place. He was living in a cockroach filled cage and fed nothing but garbage. He lost an eye from getting into a fight with a ferret in their home. His nails had not been trimmed in years,they were corkscrew down to his toes. He is elderly and imported, he has an open band. I cried all the way home because he looked so sad and sick when I met him, it's hard to believe he was living that way for so long. I got him home, bought him a new cage, gave him a bath, some good PROPER food and made a vet appointment. The vet told me I got him in the nick of time and that he was lucky I found him. He was VERY WILD. I have 10 other pet birds, most were rescued from bad situations, and I had never seen a bird as fearful of humans as he was. With veterinary care, proper diet and A LOT of patience and love he is turning out to be the SWEETEST little man. Almost as cuddly as a cockatoo, he can't wait to be with his momma and get a kiss. He loves watching HIS TV and chewing up wood when he is not in my lap. I mounted a tv with cable in the bird room (near his good eye so he can see it)because he loves it. He lets me know what he wants to watch. The only thing I can say that is sometimes a hindrance is his screaming, which I am working with him on. Unfortunately he spent most of his life locked in a tiny cage so screaming is the only way he knows how to communicate. I understand this so I am doing my best to be patient even though my hearing is probably permanently damaged. Since I got him I find myself saying "what" a lot, lol. His scream makes my cockatoo sound like she is whispering. OW Amazons can be VERY LOUD. OW are unique from the other Amazons. I love how he smells like daisies and his neck feathers "puff up" when he is happy. Overall I've found that in spite of his fear of humans he is a gentle bird who doesn't have a mean bone in his body, he just wants love and to be understood. I love him with all of my heart and I encourage all to rescue parrots instead of buying babies, there are plenty more out there just like mine who need someone to love them. Les - 2010-03-31 Wow Shannon, Such a sad story. I felt so sad when I read his story but so happy that you are taking care of him now. Well done. Hope you are both well. Les rachel - 2010-04-04 I am very pleased to hear this I have a male ow called pippy, he is the sweetest most gentle bird ever, I have had him for 11 yrs and would never part with him. Like yourselves I think he had a bad start as I bought him from a pet shop in kent, he was advertised in a bird magazine, I phoned up and gave my details , sent the money and then I got the bird. I was told he was nasty and I would be lucky to even be able to feed him through the bars, but with a little tlc, me and pippy well I can do anything with him as can my children and husband , but he loves me most and I feel the same about him. We had an african grey called casper but she died last month of a hereditry heart problem , the vet was very impressed with the overall condition my parrot was in, so I booked pippy in to be seen by the vet , and the vet said he was perfect, and in fantastic condition , which I was proud of my animals are my world I love them. So I have now gone and rescued a lesser sulphur cockatoo from a home that he was no longer wanted at, I have had him 2 days and now he is eating and drinking like he should and his feathers are not dirty and he let me pick him up. I think we are going to be good friends. I can't stand people being nasty to parrots they are stunning animals. CATHY - 2012-04-16 My orange wing is loud too! ! But louder than a cockatoo! ! Or kidding! Mine is quiet now that he's comfortble in the new place but i whistle in a tin sports whitle an he stops,, sound like another bird to him i guess? ? Do they all have a dander or has mine been bathing in well water? ? Like a white coating on him? ? Or her not sure i got my ow at a rescue place in fla. . Very sweet bird , cathy Reply

Henri - 2010-10-17 I have just got a new bird orange winged amazon. He is with us for about 10 days and I am worried because he is not social and seems angry with us. He is aggressive even when I try to change his food or water. Will he act like other parrots? What can I do to make him feel comfortable and safe? It has been told to us that he is a wild bird. Karen - 2011-02-01 Dear Henri, I hope by now your OW is more social to you. I had a wild African Grey many years ago and it took some time for the Grey to be comfortable around my former husband and me - even so, the Grey become more bonded to my former husband since it was him who played with him where I was the Grey's housekeeper, cleaning and feeding him/her most of the time. I think with the more interaction you have with your OW, over time he/she will become a great companion for you! CATHY - 2012-04-16 Hi I got an orange wing too , and when they showed me his personality it was so sweet. Then he growled at me when I tried to get him off his perch,, but this is a bluff! ! They will get on a stick then your finger , they are not turning on you. They just all need a stick to get up on first I dont know why but that they way the are! ! And the scream was a big shock! ! I didnt know a parrot could be so loud! ! And I got him from a rescue place. When you're not happy you bring them back an lose all your money! ! Cant resell! ! What a jipped! ! ! But he doesnt scream after they get comfy in your home. I have a sports whistle that I blow in when he screamed and he stoped or I leave around 5 o'clock he screamed 4 times and thats all , so he a sweetie doesn't bite so I feel sorry for parrotts that go to people that don't know how loud they can be only to get stuffed in a closet or worse. Sell him if your not happy! ! ! Change water often cause they dunk their food! ! ! Reply

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