Maroon-fronted Parrot

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.