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Status in the Wild: Total populations are estimated between 3,000-6,500, with recent declines attributed to the pet trade and large-scale habitat destruction.
Habits and Adaptations: They are found in large flocks in the winter and roost communally. Their call includes a shrill screaming note followed by three lower notes, and a variety of other chattering and screaming calls.
Breeding and Maturation: Breeding season lasts from March to May. Green-cheeks are cavity nesters and will often nest in abandoned Lineated Woodpecker nests or natural cavities in old trees. Usually 3-4 eggs are laid and incubation lasts around 28 days, with a nestling period of 9 weeks.
Conservation Issues: Green-cheeks are listed as an endangered species, their numbers extensively reduced due to heavy trapping and habitat destruction. Between the 1960s and 1980s when Mexico put a ban on exports this species was traded in the thousands and, possibly in some years, tens of thousands. There is currently no adequately protected areas specific for this species.
Additional Resources:
Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 4. Lynx Editions. (1997)
Juniper, T. and Mike Parr. Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World. Yale University Press. (1998) |