Maroon-fronted parrot
Rhynchopsitta terrisi
Introduction
The maroon-fronted parrot is one of the most emblematic birds of the mountains of north-eastern Mexico. Endemic to the country, the species inhabits high-altitude coniferous forests, where these parrots find food and shelter in an environment very different from that occupied by most other parrots.
However, such a close dependence on mountain ecosystems, combined with the progressive loss of suitable habitat, has made the maroon-fronted parrot one of the most threatened species in the region.
WEIGHT
Between 392g and 468g
DIET
Herbivorous
ORIGIN
Mexico (endemic)
INCUBATION
26–28 days
WEIGHT
Between 392g and 468g
DIET
Herbivorous
ORIGIN
Mexico (endemic)
INCUBATION
26–28 days
Facts about the maroon-fronted parrot
Rhynchopsitta terrisi is a medium-sized parrot, measuring between 40 and 45 cm in length and weighing between 392 and 468 g. The plumage is predominantly dark green, contrasting with paler green tones across certain areas of the body. Among the most distinctive features are a maroon forehead and dark red markings on the bend of the wings, making the species readily identifiable.
The maroon-fronted parrot also has a dark black beak, a bare yellow eye-ring and an orange iris with yellowish tones. There is no obvious sexual dimorphism; however, younger birds can be distinguished by their paler beaks and brown irises.
Diet
The maroon-fronted parrot feeds mainly on seeds from different pine species, although agave nectar and flowers also form part of the diet.
Thanks to a powerful beak, the birds can access particularly hard seeds and, in doing so, play an important role in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystems they inhabit.
Lifestyle
The maroon-fronted parrot is a highly gregarious species that lives in large colonies. Groups regularly visit clay licks, where the birds consume clay to obtain certain nutrients. While gathered at these sites, individuals take turns keeping watch for potential predators.
Maroon-fronted parrots are monogamous and, outside the breeding season, large flocks may travel considerable distances to reach feeding grounds. Communication within these groups is supported by particularly loud, high-pitched vocalisations.
Reproduction
One of the most distinctive features of the maroon-fronted parrot is colonial breeding. Unlike many other parrots, several pairs may establish nests relatively close to one another, forming colonies whose presence depends heavily on food availability.
Nesting cavities are generally used for around one or two years, although some may be occupied more continuously. Pairs arrive at the cliffs between April and May, where females lay between one and four eggs, followed by an incubation period of 26–28 days. Both parents take part in caring for the young, which leave the nest between October and November.
Under human care, the maroon-fronted parrot remains relatively uncommon, and only a small number of specialised centres have succeeded in establishing stable breeding programmes.
Geographic distribution and habitat
The maroon-fronted parrot is endemic to north-eastern Mexico and is primarily found between 2,000 and 3,500 metres above sea level, although sightings have been recorded from 1,500 to 3,700 metres.
The species inhabits temperate coniferous forests and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, where the seeds forming the basis of the diet are readily available. At the same time, breeding colonies depend on limestone cliffs, with natural cavities in the rock faces providing suitable nesting sites.
Consequently, protecting these ecosystems is essential to the survival of the species.
Threats to the population
The maroon-fronted parrot is classified as Endangered (EN) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with populations continuing to decline.
The loss and degradation of coniferous forests as a result of intensive grazing, logging and the conversion of land for agricultural use pose a threat to these birds. An estimated 15% to 49% of the population has been lost, with the current population thought to number around 3,500 individuals.
Furthermore, the species depends on a limited number of cliffs suitable for breeding. Disturbance at breeding colonies, combined with a low reproductive rate, makes population recovery particularly difficult following a decline.
- Conservation status (IUCN): Endangered (EN)
- Population trend: decreasing
Photos Maroon-fronted parrot
Interesting facts about the maroon-fronted parrot
A high-altitude resident
The maroon-fronted parrot can be found at more than 3,000 metres above sea level, an unusual altitude for most parrots.
Dependent on pine forests
The species’ breeding cycle follows the fruiting pattern of pine trees.
A pine seed specialist
A large proportion of the maroon-fronted parrot’s diet depends on seeds produced by different conifer species.
How we help conserve the maroon-fronted parrot
Descárgate nuestra enciclopedia
Dentro de nuestra labor informativa y formativa sobre biodiversidad hemos desarrollado una enciclopedia sobre los cetáceos. Es un documento extenso donde encontrarás datos e información científica sobre el comportamiento y los mitos y verdades que rodean a estos animales.
Certificado de bienestar animal de la Asociación Británica de Agentes de Viajes (ABTA)
Certificado Europeo por la Responsabilidad Ambiental desde 2005
Certificado Humane Conservation con la máxima calificación al mejor parque zoológico de Europa American Humane Association (AHA) EEUU
Certificados desde 2008 por el Instituto de Turismo Responsable y desde 2021 cumpliendo con las acciones Biosphere LifeStyle alineadas con los 17 Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la Agenda 2030 de las Naciones Unidas
ISO 9001 – Certificado TUV Rheinland Sistema de gestión de calidad certificado respecto a la norma ISO 9001 desde 2013 ISO 14001 y Certificado TUV Rheinland por el alto respeto al Medio Ambiente desde 2005
