Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Maroon-fronted Parrot

Rhynchopsitta terrisi

The maroon-fronted parrot, Rhynchopsitta terrisi, presents itself as a large, macaw-like bird, resplendent in dark green plumage. It boasts a dark red shoulder patch and a striking maroon forehead, coupled with an eye-stripe of the same hue. When in flight, the underside of its wings and tail give the illusion of blackness, a stark contrast to its vibrant body.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species can be identified by their dark maroon brow, which elegantly extends over a rim of bare yellow skin encircling the eyes. A brighter red marks the bend of the wing, while the tail is long and pointed. The underside of the wings appears blackish. Juveniles are distinguishable by their pale beak, whitish eye-rings, and the absence of the dark maroon stripe above each eye.

Habitat

The maroon-fronted parrot favors mature pine, mixed conifer, and pine-oak forests, thriving at elevations ranging from 2000 to 3500 meters.

Distribution

This bird is a treasure endemic to the Sierra Madre Oriental in Nuevo León, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Behaviour

In the wild, these parrots are known to nest in limestone cliffs adjacent to flowing water, forming large colonies. Their breeding season is timed with the fruition of pines, which constitute their primary food source. They lay one to three eggs in July, and by November, the juveniles are ready to fledge. Seasonal migration occurs over short distances.

Song & Calls

The maroon-fronted parrot's call is a distinctive high, rolling "cr-a ak" sound. When in groups, their calls may remind one of the acorn woodpecker, especially when heard from afar.

Breeding

Breeding coincides with pine fruition, with egg-laying in July and fledging of juveniles by November.

Conservation Status

With an estimated population of only 2500–3000 birds remaining in the wild, the maroon-fronted parrot is classified as Endangered. The primary threats to its survival are overgrazing and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts include environmental education programs and scientific research conducted by ITESM Campus Monterrey in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park and Sierra de Arteaga.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Maroon-fronted Parrots on Birda

Sightings
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Ignacio Loera
Ignacio Loera
06 Aug 2023 - 6:43am
Mexico

More African & New World Parrots

A photo of a Yellow-faced Parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops)

Yellow-faced Parrot

Alipiopsitta xanthops
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
SuperOliviaGirl
Really great app
It’s easy to use and it’s fun to log the birds you notice on a walk or just in your garden. There’s a option to record the birds you see in a session which is really nice. Good excuse to stop for a while and just watch birds. I am also enjoying the information part where you can find out fact about birds from all over the world.
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Nicole
Gets me outdoors more
I'm still loving this app. I use it most days & gets me outdoors more. Enjoying watching others progress and photo's, it's improved my wellbeing.... I love this app! I can keep a record of sightings and see what others have seen too.
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.