Head of the turquoise-fronted parrot

3D Model

The turquoise-fronted amazon or turquoise-fronted parrot, i.e. Amazona aestiva Linnaeus, 1758, is a South American species of amazon parrot (Family Psittacidae) and one of the most common amazon parrots kept in captivity as a pet. Its common name is derived from the distinctive turquoise marking on its head just above its beak. This specimen was part of the former Comparative Anatomy Museum collections, now hosted by DISTAV* at the Genoa University. It was prepared to show the peculiarities of the beak, a part of the body rich in touch receptors positioned within the keratin of the rhamphotheca in the curved tip of the upper bill. Parrots show a high level of manipulative skills, a life-long curiosity about new objects, and high cognitive abilities.

This model was realized by Micol Zurzolo during the Universal Civil Service (SCU) at the Genoa University.