White-Crowned Parrot
Taxonomy: (Pionus senilis)
Spanish Name: Loro mediano de color azul verdoso
Other Common Names: white-crowned pionus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Lifespan: 30-40 years
Distribution: The white-crowned parrot is found along the southeastern coast of Mexico, extending through parts of Central America including western Panama and Costa Rica. It is most abundant in Costa Rica, where it occupies a wide range of forest habitats.
Behavior: The white-crowned parrot is found along the southeastern coast of Mexico, extending through parts of Central America including western Panama and Costa Rica. It is most abundant in Costa Rica, where it occupies a wide range of forest habitats.
Weight: 220g
Diet: The white-crowned parrot's diet consists primarily of fruits, seeds, berries, and blossoms. They feed on a wide variety of fruits from native trees and shrubs, as well as cultivated crops like bananas and corn in agricultural areas. They are known to forage in flocks, often seen high in the forest canopy or visiting fruiting trees in more open habitats.
Reproduction: During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the dry months, white-crowned parrots nest in tree cavities, often in large dead trees or palm snags. They lay 3–4 eggs per clutch, with the female incubating the eggs while the male provides food. After hatching, both parents care for the chicks, feeding them regurgitated food until they fledge several weeks later.
Threats: The primary threats to the white-crowned parrot include habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development. Although this species adapts to some disturbed habitats, extensive forest loss reduces available nesting and foraging sites. Additionally, in some areas, trapping for the pet trade poses a threat to local populations, though this impact is not as severe as for some other parrot species.
At Alturas: We currently have two white-crowned parrots in our sanctuary, one of which was a pet and the second has medical issues therefore cannot be released.
