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The only living parrot that once ranged in the United States, the thick-billed parrot is dependent on highland pine-oak forests for food and nesting.  Its range has been reduced to a few areas in Mexico where it continues to suffer from habitat loss and the pet trade.  Conservationists are working to protect the forests by encouraging sustainable alternatives to logging such as ecotourism.

thick billed parrot side profile

Did You Know?

Thick-billed parrots have a call that can be heard up to 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) away.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha

Range:
Western Mexico

Habitat:
Mountain forest

Height:
1.3 ft

Lifespan:
10 years

Zoo Location:
Birds of the World

Diet:
Pine cones, acorns, and berries

Risk Status:
Species at Risk (IUCN - Endangered)