Red-fronted Amazons (Amazona viridigenalis) in Palm Beach, FLAmericans, drawn to the colorful feathers and personalities of the parrot and the macaw, fuel illegal smuggling of Mexico’s exotic birds. A recent report, The illegal parrot trade in Mexico, presents estimates sure to sadden bird lovers and perhaps even the bird indifferent. Parrots and macaws are disappearing from their homeland at an alarming rate. The cause of their death: Americans love parrots and macaws and want to own them.
Between 65,000 and 78,500 wild parrots are captured illegally each year. Of these, more that 75%, 50,000 to 60,000, will die before ever reaching a purchaser. See video below for pictures of smuggled birds. Approximately 90% of all Mexican parrot and macaw species exist in increasing peril of extinction from the wild.
Customs officers and border security personnel have found as many as 50 birds smuggled in a shoe box. They’ve found a similar number tumbling inside a wheel well. Smuggled birds die from dehydration, being crushed, asphyxiation, starvation and suffocation. They continue to die because bird smuggling often beats drug smuggling in its money-making potential. The Mexican government and Defenders of Wildlife have concluded that high demand for exotic species will continue to spark illegal capture and resultant devastation of the beloved birds of Mexico. The border is simply too porous to curtail smuggling.
There are no blanket forms or documentation for parrots that U.S. breeders are required to use, but if a breeder claims that a parrot has been bred in the United States there are a few things you should request. According to Defenders of Wildlife, reputable breeders keep records of parrot stock, successful bleedings, information on the clutches of eggs and dates of birth. Consumers should check the parrot for closed bands around its legs. The bands indicate the breeding facility.
Red-crowned Amazon parrot (Amazona viridigenalis) & Lilac-crowned Amazon (Amazona finschi) enjoying the sunset of San Diego, CA