Ancient DNA extracted from vibrant feathers found in Peru has been linked to at least four distinct species of Amazonian parrots: the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), red and green macaw (Ara chloropterus), and mealy amazon (Amazona farinosa). These birds were reportedly transported alive across the Andes centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire, showcasing a complex network of long-distance trade that connected Amazonian communities, high-altitude routes, and the Pacific Ocean.

A pair of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) in Costa Rica. Image credit: Julio-César Chávez / CC BY 4.0.

Discovered in Pachacamac, Peru, an ancient parrot feather lies far beyond the natural habitat of these birds, which are native to the rainforest.

“Through the integration of ancient DNA sequencing, isotope chemistry, and computational landscape modeling, we tracked the movement of these birds across diverse terrains,” explained Dr. George Oler, a researcher affiliated with the Australian National University and King’s College London.

“Our models of ancient habitats confirm that the western Andes were equally inhospitable for these species a millennium ago. These parrots thrive solely in rainforest environments, typically spanning a natural home range of about 150 kilometers.”

“The evidence that they were found on the opposite side of South America’s tallest mountain range—over 500 kilometers away—indicates human involvement, as these birds do not fly over the Andes under normal conditions.”

“Our research illustrates that multiple species of Amazonian parrots were captured in their natural habitat, transported over mountainous pathways, and survived long enough to regrow feathers along the coast.” – Dr. Oler.

Through genome analysis, researchers identified the four Amazonian parrot species from feather assemblages: scarlet macaw, blue and yellow macaw, red and green macaw, and mealy amazon, all of which traditionally inhabit tropical rainforests hundreds of kilometers from the Pacific coastline.

The journey for these birds likely took weeks or even months as traders navigated rugged mountain terrain and steep plateaus.

“Our findings provide genetic and isotopic evidence showing that these parrots were not merely traded for their feathers but were actually transported alive across challenging landscapes to significant coastal ceremonial sites,” Dr. Oler asserted.

By investigating chemical signatures within the feathers, the team discovered that the birds’ diet had shifted to include C4 plants like corn and marine proteins, implying that they continued to live post-transport over the Andes.

“Our analysis indicates that the parrots were fed a nitrogen-rich diet similar to that of their captors, clearly illustrating long-term care after their removal from the rainforest,” Dr. Oler noted.

Landscape modeling tools further unveiled trans-Andean corridors and river routes that may have facilitated avian transport, revealing a sophisticated network of overland and river exchanges.

This bird species, valued for its striking plumage, held immense cultural significance in pre-Hispanic societies and was frequently featured in rituals and elite burial practices.

“This discovery challenges previous beliefs that pre-Inca societies were isolated or fragmented,” Dr. Oler remarked. “Instead, we uncover evidence of organizational networks, ecological understanding, and logistical strategies that connected vastly differing ecosystems long before formal imperial roads established these routes.”

For further details, refer to the original publication in the journal Nature Communications.

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G. Ola et al. 2026. Ancient DNA and spatial modeling reveal pre-Inca trans-Andean parrot trade. Nat Commun 17: 2117. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-69167-9