Rhynchopsitta – Thick-billed parrots

Unlike most parrots, which are tied to tropical lowlands or rainforests, these birds are mountain specialists, living in the cool, high-altitude pine, fir, and oak forests of northern Mexico. Their most distinctive feature, and the trait that unites them as a genus, is their large, heavy bill. These powerful beaks are perfectly adapted to crack into tough pine cones and extract the seeds hidden inside—a food source that few other birds can exploit so efficiently. While many parrots eat a broad mix of fruits, flowers, and nuts, Rhynchopsitta parrots are unique for being so closely tied to conifers, a diet that defines their ecology and sets them apart from almost every other member of the parrot family.

Both species are also known for being incredibly social. Thick-billed and Maroon-fronted parrots travel in flocks that can number in the dozens or even hundreds, filling the mountain valleys with a chorus of loud, chattering calls. Their flights are fast and graceful, often weaving as a group through pine canopies or soaring over cliffs. They are rarely seen alone, and even nesting tends to happen in colonies, with pairs using cavities in tall pines or cliffs—often reusing old woodpecker holes. This flocking behavior dramatically differentiates them from many parrots living in small family groups or pairs. It also gives them a special kind of defense, since so many watchful eyes help spot predators, and their noisy calls help keep the group tightly knit.

There are also fun and quirky facts about these highland parrots. Their calls are so loud and distinctive that flocks can often be heard long before they are seen, echoing across valleys like wild laughter. They are one of the few parrots in the world that regularly face snowy winters, showing that parrots are not just tropical birds. Their strong social bonds extend to lifelong pairings, with mates preening, feeding, and flying side by side. And while their thick bills look oversized, they use them with great precision, holding cones with their feet and shredding them piece by piece.