Socorro parakeet  (Aratinga brevipes)

Classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List (1) and listed on Appendix II of CITES (3).

The Socorro parakeet is one of nine endemic land birds currently occupying a vulnerable position on the tiny island of Socorro (4). The only parakeet on the island, the Socorro parakeet is highly distinctive, with a vibrant, uniform green plumage, a slight yellow tinge to the underparts, and a reddish ring of bare skin around the eye (2). One of the most obvious features of this attractive bird is its robust, downward-curving, hooked bill. This highly adaptive structure may be used to crush fruits and seeds or, more delicately, to preen, and to grapple onto branches whilst clambering through the treetops (5). 

The Socorro parakeet is endemic to the island of Socorro, the largest of four volcanic islands in the Revillagigedo Islands, off the west coast of Mexico. The species’ range on the island has contracted over recent years, and it now occupies an area of only 35 square kilometres (4) (6) (7) (8).

The Socorro parakeet inhabits semi-deciduous forest, between 350 and 850 metres above sea level (6). 

A highly sociable species, the Socorro parakeet is commonly seen in gatherings of several birds and, occasionally after the breeding season, in groups of up to 100 birds in relatively undisturbed areas of forest (6) (9). Aggregations often occur around fruiting trees, and fruit pulp and seeds of Bumelia socorrensis comprises over half of the species’ diet. The Socorro parakeet nests in tree cavities, often in B. socorrensis trees (6). Most birds breed between October and January and, in common with most other parakeets, the Socorro parakeet is probably monogamous, mating with its partner for life (2) (5) (6). Pairs remain together constantly and reinforce the pair bond by feeding and preening together (5).   

As the Socorro parakeet is found on a single, very small island, and numbers only around 300 individuals, it is extremely vulnerable to any destructive activities within its range (8) (9). The primary threat to this species is the persistent degradation of its habitat by introduced sheep. Sheep grazing has caused soil erosion and prevents the natural regeneration of the island’s forests (6) (7). This has been most severe on the southern side of the island, which is now largely treeless, and supports very little birdlife (4). Consequently, over the last 50 years, the Socorro parakeet’s habitat has contracted substantially. Predation by feral cats, which were brought to the island in the 1950s, is also a threat, but at present it is unclear how significant this may be (4) (6) (7) (9).

The remote island of Socorro supports a unique diversity of birdlife, including several endemic species, and consequently is of high conservation importance (4). This island, along with several others in the Revillagigedo chain, was designated a biosphere reserve in 1994 and, as a direct result of this, several conservation measures have been implemented that aim to restore and preserve the island’s landscape. Programmes have begun to remove sheep and feral cats from the island, and should stimulate the regeneration of the forest, whilst diminishing the threat of predation on the island’s birds (6). The number of sheep on the island has already been successfully reduced to less than 300, with further culls planned (9) (10). Furthermore, a nest-box provision programme for the Socorro parakeet has begun, and a captive breeding programme has been established, which will be used as a last ditch attempt to save the species if the natural population drops to critical levels (6) (10).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

For more information on the conservation of Socorro Island, see: 

• The Socorro Island Conservation Fund: 
  http://socorroislandconservation.org/socorro/

For more information on this and other bird species please see:

• BirdLife International:
  http://www.birdlife.org