We do NOT clip wings on our bird, but when birds travel by commercial airline, we have to go through TSA, which requires the bird to be taken out of the carrier for screening purposes. To avoid the possibility of escape, we do this modified clip so that if the bird gets away during this transition period, the bird can gently coast to the ground and can not gain altitude. The wing feathers will naturally molt and the new feathers will allow flight once again, typically in about four to six months. This clip provides a more comfortable alternative to the standard wing clipping which leaves the bird with a blunt cut across the feathers that rub on the bird's body and cause them to pluck!