From Tropical South America, from Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas and Trinidad and Tobago south through eastern Ecuador and Peru, north-eastern Bolivia and Amazonian Brazil. It lives mainly in lowland forest, savanna, palm swamps, mangroves and farmland near water.123
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
ColoursGreen bodyYellow crown and cheeksBlue to violet around the eyesOrange wing and tail patches12
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
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The orange wing colour is mostly hidden until the bird flies.3
2
They roost communally in groups that can number over 200 birds.1
3
Wild birds often visit towns and cities in their native range.1
4
It is often mistaken for the blue-fronted Amazon.3
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
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Orange-winged Amazon?
Feed your Orange-winged Amazon fresh food and water every day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer fresh food and water daily, and to provide a balanced pellet diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit, going light on starchy and fatty foods.31Pet Wiki plan
What does an Orange-winged Amazon eat, and what should it never eat?
A balanced pellet diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit is recommended, 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. For specific foods to avoid, ask your vet.31
How much space does an Orange-winged Amazon need?
A roomy cage with a play area is needed; the World Parrot Trust recommends aviaries of at least 3 m in length. Furry Diary's starting plan includes about 3 hours of out-of-cage time daily.13Pet Wiki plan
What temperature, light or water does an Orange-winged Amazon need?
This varies depending on your home and climate. For specific temperature, light and water needs, consult an exotic-pet vet or a good breeder.
How often should I clean an Orange-winged Amazon's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to change the cage liner daily and do a full cage clean every 7 days. Offer a bath every 3 days to help with feather care. Pet Wiki plan
Can an Orange-winged Amazon live with others?
Yes, they are very social birds. Wild birds roost together in groups of 200 or more, so at home they need regular company from people or other birds.13
How long does an Orange-winged Amazon live?
They can live between 30 and 80 years, so owning one is a long-term commitment.13
Can I handle an Orange-winged Amazon?
Yes, they are cheerful and social birds that enjoy being part of family life. They need lots of playtime and daily out-of-cage time, and handling is part of that bonding.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Blue-fronted Amazon