The Mexican Red Head Bird, better known as the Red-crowned Amazon, is a medium-sized green parrot with a distinctive red forehead and crown. This vibrant bird belongs to the Amazona genus and is native to northeastern Mexico, with historical records suggesting occasional appearances in southern Texas. While still found in its original range, particularly the foothills of the Sierra Madre Oriental and Tamaulipas ranchlands, the Red-crowned Amazon is now rarer and more localized. Interestingly, thriving populations exist in southern California, Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Mexican cities like Monterrey, all stemming from escaped or released pets. A substantial population in southern Texas might be a blend of natural dispersal and released birds. Aviculturists often refer to this species as the Mexican Redhead or Green-cheeked Amazon.
Habitat Loss and Adaptation of the Mexican Red Head Bird
Sadly, habitat loss and poaching for the pet trade threaten the Red-crowned Amazon, leading to its classification as Endangered by both Mexico and the IUCN. Extensive deforestation throughout the 1960s and 1970s decimated much of its natural habitat, consisting of subdeciduous tropical forests and Tamaulipan thornscrub. Remarkably, over the past four decades, this adaptable parrot has carved a new niche in suburban and urban environments, leveraging a mix of native and non-native vegetation for foraging, roosting, and nesting.
Diet and Behavior of the Red-Crowned Amazon
The Red-crowned Amazon, like most parrots in the Psittacidae family, primarily consumes seeds. However, its diet is quite diverse, encompassing flowers, buds, cacti, and even peanuts from bird feeders. Typically active during the early morning and evening, these birds fly to and from communal roosting sites. These gatherings are lively affairs, with hundreds of parrots socializing, bonding, and defending mates before settling down for a silent night perched in a few select trees. During the day, the Red-crowned Amazon is often inconspicuous, quietly digesting its morning meal.
The Future of the Mexican Red Head
The success of the Mexican Red Head bird in adapting to new environments and thriving in aviculture has somewhat lessened the immediate urgency for conservation efforts in its native range. However, preserving parrots and their habitats in northeastern Mexico remains crucial for the long-term survival of this beautiful species. The Red-crowned Amazon’s resilience and adaptability offer a glimmer of hope for its future, but continued conservation efforts are essential to ensure its continued presence in the wild.
