Saffron-headed Parrot
VU

Saffron-headed Parrot

Pionopsitta pyrilia

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saffron-headed_parrot

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Saffron-headed Parrot faces severe pressure from deforestation across its range in Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, where lowland and montane forests are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. Capture for the illegal pet trade compounds these pressures, as this colorful species is highly sought after in local and international markets. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment remaining forest patches, isolating populations and reducing breeding success.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Saffron-headed Parrot inhabits humid lowland and montane forests from sea level to 1,500 meters elevation, preferring primary forest canopy but also utilizing forest edges and secondary growth. It occurs in both Pacific and Caribbean slope forests across its range in northwestern South America and southern Central America.

Other threatened species in Psittacidae

Scarlet-shouldered ParrotletVU

Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet

Touit huetii

Unknown
Rusty-faced ParrotVU

Rusty-faced Parrot

Hapalopsittaca amazonina

Unknown
Palm LorikeetVU

Palm Lorikeet

Charmosyna palmarum

Unknown
Spot-winged ParrotletVU

Spot-winged Parrotlet

Touit stictopterus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Saffron-headed Parrot classified as Vulnerable?
Saffron-headed Parrot is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Saffron-headed Parrot faces severe pressure from deforestation across its range in Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, where lowland and montane forests are cleared for agriculture and cattle ranching. Capture for the illegal pet trade compounds these pressures, as this colorful species is highly sought after in local and international markets. Mining activities and infrastructure development further fragment remaining forest patches, isolating populations and reducing breeding success.
Where does Saffron-headed Parrot live?
Saffron-headed Parrot occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Saffron-headed Parrot?
The main threats to Saffron-headed Parrot are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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