Will Thick-Billed Parrots Survive?

If one were fortunate enough to be able to see in the wild this 16 inch, mostly vibrant green bird with a red crown, red shoulders, red thighs and red feathers on the bend of its wings, distinctive yellow eye- rings, and a large black bill, there would be no mistaking it; it certainly would be identified as a parrot. Yet, the thick-billed parrot, one of eleven species of Mexican parrots that are on the endangered list, is not your ordinary parrot. There are many factors and characteristics that differentiate this parrot from most others of its family found in Mexico and the rest of the world.

Thick-billed parrots, along with the on the threatened list maroon-fronted parrot which is only found in Northeastern Mexico, are the two remaining species of the genus rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha- the third member of this genus became extinct in pre-historic times. Currently, it is endemic exclusively to Northwestern Mexico and its range-residing entirely in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains-is from Chihuahua to Western Michoacan. The thick-billed parrot, and the now extinct Carolina parakeet, were the only species of parrot that inhabited the United States; up till the early 20th century, they were residents of Southern Arizona and New Mexico until they were eradicated mostly by being shot and killed; efforts to reintroduce them into Arizona in the 1980's and 1990's failed.

Also known as snow parrots, the thick-billed parrot and the maroon-fronted parrot, are the only ones of Mexico’s 22 species of parrots and macaws that live in temperate climate zones- the thick-billed live in altitudes from between 1500-3000 meters in primarily old-growth pine forests. All of the other species of Mexican parrots, and most throughout the world, reside in tropical habitat. Their main food source is pine seeds from which they methodically and systematically strip the cone from the base to the top; a survival skill that their chicks are taught by their parents who remain partnered for years. They nest high in old-growth pine trees, mostly in pre-existing cavities made by such birds as woodpeckers, with the sole exception being those in Madera which nest in old-growth aspen.

In addition to being tropical, most parrots live in low elevations, are either sedentary or migrate for short distances, and are territorial. On the other hand, the thick-billed parrots are highly migratory (many breeding in the northernmost part of its range and summering in the southernmost), they are nomadic, and they are extremely social throughout the seasons. Oftentimes on extended flights, in pairs flying in V-formation like geese, their loud calls can be heard from over a mile away; very noisy, in-flight it is said that they sound like children laughing.

Unfortunately, it is estimated that only 500 to 2000 of these colorful, raucous, social, and vivacious parrots exist wild in the world- meaning Mexico. Their primary threat to existence is loss of habitat. Only 10% of the old-growth forest in the Sierra Madre Occidental eco-region remains- most being lost to lumbering. Another major threat is trapping/poaching for the illegal pet trade or for individual use. Additionally, they may fall prey to their natural predators, such as peregrine falcons, Northern goshawks, and red-tailed hawks.

Yet, it may not be too late to save the thick-billed parrot from the fate of its long extinct third member of its genus. In a large tract of forest in the state of Chihuahua, where it is thought that one half of them live and breed, a 15-year project started in 2000 on ejido land/communal indigenous property where logging in a specific nesting area has been stopped, the project is proving to be somewhat successful. Moreover, there are plans to again attempt to reintroduce them in Arizona; this time using legally captured wild thick-billed parrots instead of bred in captivity ones that were used in previous failed attempts that perished primarily due to the fact that the parrots had not learned to be aware of the life threatening dangers posed to them by man and their natural predators. Additionally, the recently signed bill in Mexico that prohibits the capture and export of all 22 species of parrots in Mexico, along with its ongoing complementary public education program, may assist in protecting these parrots.

Thus, through reintroduction to its previous territory in Arizona, habitat conservation and protection, enforcement of existing laws, public awareness, and breeding programs, the thick-billed parrot may (or may not) survive, or better yet, thrive. They are truly a unique member of the parrot family- how many species of parrots that you know of sometimes eat snow as a source of water? It would absolutely be a permanent shame if these screaming to the beat of their own thick bill sentient beings went the way of so many other species of birds.