The thick-billed parrot is a medium-sized parrot endemic to Mexico that formerly ranged into the southwestern United States It was the last parrot to have been native to the American continent after the other parrot, the Carolina parakeet fell to extinction. Its position in parrot phylogeny is the subject of ongoing discussion; it is sometimes referred to as thick-billed macaw or thick-billed conure. In Mexico, it is locally called guacamaya ("macaw") or cotorra serrana. Classified internationally as Endangered through IUCN, the thick-billed parrot's decline has been central to multiple controversies over wildlife management. In 2018, the estimated wild population in Mexico was 1,700.
Region
Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane pine and pine–oak forests dominated by large, mature conifers such as Pinus durangensis, P. arizonica, and P. engelmannii. Birds commute between feeding and nesting areas across ridges and canyons, often roosting communally. They depend heavily on old-growth stands for nesting cavities and reliable cone production. Historically the range extended north into Arizona and New Mexico, but modern breeding is confined to Mexico.
Altitude Range
1200–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-elevation parrot specializes on pine seeds and uses its powerful bill and dexterous feet to pry open cones. It nests in cavities of mature or dead pines, often in loose colonies, and makes seasonal movements following cone crops. Historically it ranged into the U.S. Southwest, but today it persists only in Mexico. Its decline has been driven by logging of old-growth pine forests and past trapping.
Juvenile (pale bill) and adult (dark bill) at Twycross Zoo, England
Adult at Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland
Compilation image of an original photograph and recreation based upon that photograph from Kiva #7 at Pottery Mound.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with fast, direct wingbeats over long distances
Social Behavior
Typically travels in noisy flocks and often nests semi-colonially in cavities of mature pines. Pairs form strong bonds and may reuse nest sites across years. Flocks use sentinels while feeding and roost communally for safety.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, ringing screams and rolling cackles that carry over long distances. In flocks they exchange constant chatter and sharp contact calls, especially in flight.
