El Yunque National Forest

The Puerto Rican Parrot

Scientists and historians estimate that the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) has lived on our island’s forests for well over a thousand years. Initially numbering in the millions, the parrot flocks co-existed peacefully with the island’s pre-columbian inhabitants, the Taino. After the European colonization of the island began five hundred years ago, the size of the parrot population dwindled in direct proportion to the conversion of forested land to cities and farms, in so doing, the parrot’s only habitat was almost eradicated. By the middle of the last century, Amazona vittata was a threatened species, very close to extinction. CLICK HERE to read the amazing story of how this potential avian tragedy was recognized and averted at the last moment, and how the multi-agency Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program was formed and continues the difficult fight to ensure that Amazona vittata survives and thrives as a vital part of Puerto Rico’s patrimony.

To view or download "Arboles, Arbustos y Palmas Preferidos por la Cotorra Puertorriqueña", (Trees, Shrubs and Palms Preferred by the Puerto Rican Parrot) CLICK HERE. (Available in Spanish only).

To view or download "Como Identificar la Cotorra Puertorriqueña", (How to Identify the Puerto Rican Parrot) CLICK HERE. (Available in Spanish only).

USDA Forest Service - El Yunque National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16 December 2008 at 14:14:34 EST