Richard Moore Outdoor Report: Wounded Parrot Prevails

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — On May 8 a Red-crowned parrot appeared and perched on its favorite backyard anacua tree limb.

Sadly, the parrot had a blowgun dart embedded in its neck.

Parrots are beloved visitors to backyard feeders throughout the Rio Grande Valley, and like many other folks, I cherish their cheerful comings and goings.

The deadly dart’s tip protruded dangerously from the parrot’s neck, but thankfully the bird could eat, so hopefully the throat was not seriously damaged.

We consulted with experts and considered a plan to capture the bird to remove the dart, but the Red-crown quit coming, that is until May 20, thirteen days after first being spotted with the dart stuck in its throat.

Miraculously, the dart had somehow worked its way out. Perhaps, the bird was able to scratch it or pull it out itself, or maybe it just finally slipped free during the rigors of flight and tree climbing.

Red-crowned parrots each have distinctive feather markings, particularly on their heads, and there is no doubt this is the miracle bird.

The throat is scarred but appears to be healing and the feathers are growing back. A fraction of an inch either way and the dart would have missed entirely or tragically struck the esophagus.

What a joy to see this survivor reach down and pluck an anacua berry, securing it adroitly in its beak and munching contentedly.

Miracle bird is now joining the flock at the backyard feeder, and I look forward to seeing the continued recovery.

Red-crowned parrots are protected by state law, and anyone with information regarding the person who shot this bird with a blowgun dart is encouraged to call Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens at Operation Game Thief at 1-800-792-GAME (4263).