Thick-billed Parrot

The thick-billed parrot is one of only two parrot species whose natural range once included the United States. Thick-billed parrots were known to be native to southern Arizona and New Mexico on a seasonal basis. The other species, the Carolina parakeet, became extinct in February 1918. Thick-billed parrots are nicknamed the "snow parrots", because they can withstand cold temperatures and live at high elevations. Our parrots stay outside year-round with no problem. In their native habitat, they spend most of their time at higher elevations, from 3,900 to 11,500 feet.