Is this normal color on Greenwing macaw's back??

Timneh · Dec 17, 2017

Is this normal color on Greenwing macaw's nape?

Any greenwing macaw experts out there?
Is light green nape feathers like this normal or a sign of liver disease or a deficiency? This is an older bird, kept indoors.
I never seen a greenwing with so much light green feather on the back and nape, I would really appreciate the info.
Thank you!!!

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chadwick · Dec 17, 2017

Is it possible that he/she is a hybrid? First thing that came to my mind when I looked at pictures.

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Timneh · Dec 18, 2017

Anyone else know?

Timneh · Dec 18, 2017

I just wanted to know if this much light green nape feathers as normal ?

itzjbean · Dec 18, 2017

It's hard to say without knowing the history. With the green carrying so high on the back it leads me to believe this parrot is actually a HYBRID, especially if it's older and has had a lot of molts. It's possible one parent was a true Greenwing and one parent was a hybrid greenwing or some sort, though the face is spot on for a Greenwing.

Of course to be sure you should take him to a certified avian vet who will be able to determine if there are deficiencies or any underlying health issues. I have never seen a deficiency cause the green to extend like that.

Teddscau · Dec 18, 2017

I agree with what the others say. Definitely looks to be some sort of hybrid, although you'd have to do a liver enzyme test or whatever to see if there's liver problems involved.

Timneh · Dec 18, 2017

Besides the extra light green feathers on his nape, I don't see any other indicators of being hybrid, he is very much a normal average looking greenwing over 1300 grams at 24 yr old, was kept indoors, I don't know his past diet but the previous owner who owned him for 24 years seemed to care and like animals, but I have my doubts.

He will be tested by a avian vet but I wanted to reach out to you guys just for more info. Besides anything else the vet might find, I suspect he was fed a lot of colored pellets because he prefers them the most, or is used to them.

Anyone else have any experience or info on this greenwing's light green nape anomaly?

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psychocircus91 · Dec 18, 2017

I can't answer your question, but I do agree with you that it is a green wing. He has far too many green wing features to be even 25% shamrock or other hybrid, in my opinion. Especially at 24 years old, when hybridization was not as common, let alone several generations of hybrids.

Timneh · Dec 18, 2017

Thanks psy,
I'm thinking it might be diet and lack of UVB light and I hope he doesn't have any physiological internal damage from years of bad diet and lack of sunlight.
I'm adopting him, and will be getting him to a good avian vet for blood fecal and other tests.
He is very a sweet and gentle greenwing.

Timneh · Dec 18, 2017

Listen do you hear the parrots of the world, they are all saying please don't hybrid us, aren't are feathers colorful enough?

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psychocircus91 · Dec 18, 2017

Timneh said:
Listen do you hear the parrots of the world, they are all saying please don't hybrid us, aren't are feathers colorful enough?

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Wish I could get that photo as a poster!

Is this normal color on Greenwing macaw's back??

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