These parrots once roamed the American Southwest. Scientists are trying to help them : Short Wave

Thick-billed parrots are charming green birds accented with red and orange, known for their calls that resemble laughter. They are the last surviving parrot species native to the United States, historically found from Texas and Arizona down to Venezuela.

In the past century, their population has faced significant decline due to factors such as forest fires, deforestation, and illegal smuggling. As a result, thick-billed parrots are now classified as endangered, with the only remaining wild population located in Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains, inhabiting ancient pine forests.

Recently, there has been a glimmer of hope for these parrots. A census conducted in the Sierra Madre revealed a 10% increase in their population over the last 12 years, indicating that conservation efforts may be making a positive impact.

This resurgence in numbers highlights the importance of protecting their natural habitat and ensuring that these iconic birds continue to thrive.

Support for conservation initiatives remains crucial to sustain this momentum and further improve the prospects for thick-billed parrots in the wild.