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

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.

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.

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

Central rachis is sturdy and light-colored (ivory to yellow-tinted), becoming slightly darker toward the tip. Barbs are densely packed at about a 45-degree angle.

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

Wing. Specifically a secondary feather that forms the 'speculum' (the colorful Wing patch) or a primary tail feather (rectrix) based on the vibrant orange pigment.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Historically used in indigenous feather-work in the Amazon basin. Currently common in the pet trade, where feathers are often kept by owners as keepsakes.

Look for these feathers under roosting trees or fruiting palms. The brilliant orange flash is visible from a distance even against dark leaf litter.

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