Parrots are extremely popular pets and rank right up there with cats, dogs, and fish. There are more than 350 species of parrot to choose from, so you are sure to find something to your liking. However, some of these species are facing declining numbers and need our help to avoid extinction. If you are a bird lover that would like to do something to help birds in need, keep reading while we list several of the rarest parrots in the world, so you’ll have a good place to start.
The World’s Rarest Parrots
Population: 600
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
2. Blue-Throated Macaw
Population: 350 – 450
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The Blue-Throated Macaw prefers the wet savannahs of Bolivia. Scientists already thought it was extinct before they found it again in 1992, hiding in the palm trees. The pet trade is largely responsible for the declining numbers, but due to laws in place and captive breeding efforts, their numbers are starting to come back.
3. Sulu Racquet-Tail
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Population: 50 – 249
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The primary threat to the Sulu Racquet-Tail is ongoing deforestation. Before the 1970s, it had a much larger range that covered several islands around the Philippines. Regulations prevent conservation efforts from taking place, but even with captive breeding, these birds will have nowhere to return to with the forest cleared. These birds are usually green, with an orange spot on the top of their head.
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A post shared by Rumah Sato Bekasi (@rumahsato_bks)
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4. Orange-Bellied Parrot
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Population: 30 – 350
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The Orange-Bellied Parrot is one of only three migratory parrot species. A decreasing breeding range threatens this small bird’s numbers, and some experts say that fewer than 30 remain. The cold weather during winter also kills many offspring, so it isn’t easy to sustain the population. There are many conservation efforts in place hoping to bring this colorful bird back from the edge of extinction.
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A post shared by Canberra Walk In Aviary (@canberrawalkinaviary)
5. Indigo-Winged Parrot
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Population: 250
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The Indigo-Winged Parrot is another parrot suffering from very low numbers that could face extinction over the next few years, with only about 250 birds remaining. These parrots live in extremely high elevations, and it’s not easy to find them. After a scientist discovered them in 1911, no one mentioned them again until 2002. This bird is beautifully colored and features yellow, red, blue, green, white, and black shades.
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A post shared by Joachim Bertrands (@birdrantz)
6. Kakapo
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Population: 210
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The Kakapo is another interesting-looking bird and is a close relative to the New Zealand Kiwi parrot. It has an owl-like face and a deep booming call. These are flightless birds that prefer to live in thick forests. Scientists can account for all 210 birds, and it’s unlikely that there are any others. Conservation efforts are underway to help increase the numbers.
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A post shared by Connovation (@connovation)
7. Spix’s Macaw
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Population: 37 – 200
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Many scientists consider the Spix’s Macaw already extinct because there are only captive animals left. These birds are part of a conservation plan that hopes to reintroduce these birds into the wild. Scientists found the last of these mostly blue parrots in 1990. At that time, only 37 others remained, all captive owned. Since then, breeders were able to captive breed these birds with the hope of releasing them.
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A post shared by ACTP e.V. (@actp_parrots)
Summary
As you can see, several parrots are in danger of becoming extinct. If you would like to help out, you can contact any of the organizations that we’ve linked to here, and they would likely welcome a donation. You might even be able to get involved in other ways.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list, and it has helped answer your questions. If we have mentioned some birds you have never heard of before, please share this guide to the seven rarest parrots in the world on Facebook and Twitter.
Featured Image Credit by Gisha Bruev, Shutterstock
