Thick-billed Parrot
Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha
The Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) is a legendary african and new world parrot found in 2 countries, weighing about 325 g. The thick-billed parrot is a medium-sized parrot endemic to Mexico that formerly ranged into the southwestern United States.
About the Thick-billed Parrot
The thick-billed parrot is a medium-sized parrot endemic to Mexico that formerly ranged into the southwestern United States. 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.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The thick-billed parrot is a medium-sized, bright green parrot with a large black bill and red forecrown, shoulder and thighs. Adult eyes are amber, while juveniles have brown eyes. The rest of the bird is bright green. Thick-billed parrots show red shoulders and leading edge on the underwing, followed by a blackish green stripe, then a yellow stripe, followed by the remaining underwing showing dark green. The tail is black. It is 38 cm (15 in) long and weighs 315–370 g (11.1–13.1 oz). Thick-billed parrots have lived up to 33 years in captivity.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see it
Best months: May, July, August, September, with peak activity in August. It is a summer visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Thick-billed Parrot?
- The thick-billed parrot is a medium-sized, bright green parrot with a large black bill and red forecrown, shoulder and thighs. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Thick-billed Parrot?
- The Thick-billed Parrot is a large sized bird weighing about 325 g.
- Where can you see a Thick-billed Parrot?
- The Thick-billed Parrot occurs in 2 countries, including Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Thick-billed Parrot?
- The Thick-billed Parrot is most easily confused with the Maroon-fronted Parrot.
- Is the Thick-billed Parrot endangered?
- The Thick-billed Parrot is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Thick-billed Parrot for real
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