Endangered Ark

Thick-billed Parrot

Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha

8 of Hearts

Art by Foxfeather Ženková

http://www.foxloft.com

foxfeather@foxloft.com

Minnesota

The thick-billed parrot is the only living parrot species native to the United States. Eradicated by human encroachment and development in the southwestern U.S., thick-bills now live in the temperate coniferous forests of Mexico.

Reintroduction programs have been attempted in Arizona but have failed due to the birds’ inability to cope with increased populations of predators. In particular, the number of predatory birds that has increased with agricultural and residential development has made it impossible for the parrots to survive in their previous territories.

Current conservation efforts are focused on both captive breeding and creating protected sanctuaries in the parrots’ remaining natural ranges. One of the charities which we are supporting, the World Parrot Trust, is instrumental in the conservation of this wonderful species. To find out more about what the WPT is doing to help save thick-billed parrots, please click HERE .