The Blue-fronted Amazon is preferred to the Orange-winged Amazon

The Orange-winged Amazon used to be more common in the bird-breeding world, but they seem to be lagging behind the other more popular Colorful Amazons of late. Those who have them would disagree; they are still in love with them, while others would rather have the Yellow-naped Amazon or the Blue-fronted Amazon.

 

Due to its size and colour, the orange-winged parrot is often confused with the blue-fronted parrot, but true lovers of this parrot would notice the difference, as the orange-winged has a blue mask, while the blue-fronted blue has blue running from the cere (which is the thick skin at the base of the upper bill that contains the bird’s nostrils) to the eye-ring, where the blue ends. Both also have yellow on the face, however the blue-fronted yellow does not expand to the cere as it does on the orange-winged and both bodies are mostly green. Both range from 13 to 14 inches long, while the blue has perhaps a slightly larger front. So at a glance, you might not be able to tell which is which, but looking at a photo of the two of you together or up close and personal, you’ll be able to tell the difference.

 

One would think from her name the “Orange-winged Amazon”; looking at him you would see orange wings, he has orange feathers on his wings and tail, which can be seen when he is flying or when he spreads his wings, but not so much when he is sitting still. The blue-fronted gets its name from the blue marking on its head, just above its beak.

 

The Blue-fronted Amazon is commonly seen as a pet. Their ability to speak depends on each individual parrot. It seems that they like to sing and imitate other birds. They have a need for interaction, but they can also be entertained for several hours with the right toys and climbing room.

 

The orange-winged amazon is calm in nature, but can be strong-willed at times. He is not renowned for his speaking abilities, however some can pick up a few words. They are more apt to imitate the sounds and hisses of others. They are social and require interaction with other birds or with their owners. They seem to thrive best when not left alone. Both feed primarily on nuts and seeds and must be supplemented with some form of green leafy vegetables.

 

In the right home, these two parrots can make excellent pets. One must remember that they need interactions with their owners and of course, as with any parrot, they are not low maintenance. They need a cage that has enough space to move around and also to be able to spread their wings. Your dietary requirements should consist of seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables and, of course, water. Other basics should include proper play and chew toys and some time out of his cage if possible.

 

Parrots can be very expensive to care for, some are easier to breed than others, and some can be very destructive and noisy. When provided with proper housing, proper nutrition, plenty of exercise and socialization, both the Blue-fronted and Orange-winged can live a long time, are you up for the challenge?