Lora Amazónica
Orange-winged Amazon
Amazona amazonica
Song
Orange-winged Amazon
Appearance: The Orange-winged Amazon is a medium-sized parrot, about 12-14 inches in length. Predominantly green feathers with distinctive orange markings on the wings and a slight yellowish hue on the forehead. The tail is also green with red undertones. Bright yellow eyes and a strong, curved beak that is typically horn-colored.
Habitat: Found primarily in lowland tropical rainforests, but they can also inhabit savannas, palm swamps, and areas near rivers. They thrive in the Amazon Basin, Orinoco River Basin, and regions with dense vegetation, which provide ample food sources and nesting sites.
Behavior: Highly social birds that are usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Known for their loud and variable vocalizations, which they use for communication and social interaction within their groups.Primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers, which they forage from trees.
Breeding: Typically nest in tree cavities or hollows, often using old woodpecker holes. The breeding season generally occurs during the rainy season, with females laying an average of 2-4 eggs. Both parents participate in caring for the chicks, which fledge after about 10-12 weeks.
Conservation Status: As of the last assessment, the species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Distribution
Amazon Basin: This region, encompassing the southern part of Colombia, provides a suitable habitat for the Orange-winged Parrot due to its dense forests and abundant food sources.
Orinoco River Basin: The areas along the Orinoco River, which flows through the eastern part of the country, are also home to these parrots. The riverine forests and wetlands support their lifestyle.
Vaupés and Guaviare Departments: These departments in the eastern and southern regions of Colombia are known habitats for Orange-winged Parrots, where they can be found in both lowland tropical forests and savannas.
Cauca Valley: Some populations can be observed in the western part of the country, particularly within the Cauca Valley, where they may inhabit subtropical and tropical forests.
Chocó Department: This region, which is characterized by its humid tropical rainforest, also provides suitable habitat for these parrots, especially along riverbanks.
Taxonomy
The Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Amazona
- Species: Amazona amazonica
Vocalization
Communication: Vocalizations allow Orange-winged Parrots to communicate with one another. They use different sounds to convey messages such as alerts, warnings, or indications of their location within a flock.
Social Interaction: These parrots are social creatures, and vocalizations play a critical role in bonding with other birds, as well as with their human companions. They may engage in vocal exchanges to strengthen social ties.
Territorial Claims: Vocal calls can assert territory, warning other birds to keep their distance. Males may call loudly to establish their presence and claim a specific area.
Attracting Mates: During mating season, vocalizations can play a role in attracting potential mates. Males often vocalize to demonstrate their health and vitality, which can be appealing to females.
Expressing Emotions: Different sounds can indicate various emotional states, such as excitement, fear, or contentment. Parrots may vocalize when they are happy, anxious, or bored.
Mimicry: Orange-winged Parrots have a notable ability to mimic sounds from their environment, including human speech and various noises. This mimicry is a sign of their intelligence and can help them integrate more closely with human companions.
Parent-Offspring Communication: In natural settings, vocalizations are essential for communication between parents and chicks, helping to strengthen the bond and ensure the chicks' safety. Overall, vocalization is integral to the social structure and behavioral ecology of the Orange-winged Parrot.
