Parrots are popular pets due to their vibrant colors, intelligence, and ability to form strong bonds with their owners. They are also highly social animals, can be trained, and some species are known for their ability to mimic human speech. Parrots can be entertaining and provide companionship, making them a rewarding pet for the right owners. Parrots can live for 50 years or more, providing owners with a long-term companion.
In Mexico, as in many other parts of the world, in addition to dogs and cats, people often keep birds in their homes as pets or companion animals. Nevertheless, what may seem harmless to some can become an environmental crime if the bird was acquired illegally.
Recently, PROFEPA (the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection) has strengthened its surveillance against the trafficking of wild birds, particularly species such as parrots, parakeets, and macaws.
Since 2008, the General Wildlife Law has expressly prohibited the capture, sale, and possession of these species of wildlife within the national territory.
This means that purchasing any of these birds at markets, on social media, or through street vendors is illegal, even if they claim the animal is legally registered.
Most of these birds are trafficked illegally and keeping them in your home without the proper official documentation constitutes a federal crime. The only legally permitted way to own a parrot or parakeet in your home is to ensure that it has been bred in captivity under a program regulated by SEMARNAT (the Mexican federal ministry responsible for environmental protection and the management of natural resources).
Additionally, it must be accompanied by:
• An invoice or bill of sale issued by an Environmental Management Unit. In the context of Mexican regulations, this unit works in conjunction with SEMARNAT. They are responsible for ensuring that organizations meet the requirements of Mexican environmental laws and standards, which often align with international standards like ISO 14001.
• A sealed ring or microchip for identification.
• Registration with PROFEPA (National Prosecutor’s Office) or SEMARNAT. The absence of these documents renders ownership of the bird illegal, and both the buyer and the seller may face criminal charges.
What are the penalties for owning a protected bird?
According to Article 420 of the Federal Penal Code, possessing, transporting, or trading protected species without the corresponding legal documentation constitutes an environmental crime. The consequences include prison sentences ranging from one to nine years, which may be increased in the case of a repeat offense or if more than one species is affected. Moreover, fines exceeding 600,000 pesos (30,000 USD) are stipulated, depending on the circumstances.
These fines apply even if the person did not capture the bird, as merely possessing it without legal permits is sufficient for PROFEPA to confiscate the specimen and initiate criminal proceedings.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have been keeping a parrot or parakeet illegally, it is crucial to act immediately to avoid legal problems and contribute to the conservation of these species. Here are some measures you can take:
• Do not sell or give away the bird as this would worsen your legal situation.
• Contact PROFEPA. If you are unsure how to regularize your situation, it is best to contact PROFEPA for guidance on the steps to follow. In some cases, voluntary surrender of the animal may be permitted for release into its natural habitat.
• Avoid bird trafficking. If you acquired the bird without knowing its legal status, it is essential to take appropriate measures to prevent more birds from becoming victims of illegal trafficking.
The intensification of operations by PROFEPA in 2025 is a response to alarming data: Mexico is home to 22 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws, of which 11 are endangered and another 7 are considered threatened. In the country, it is estimated that up to 77% of illegal captures of these birds are destined for the domestic market, especially as gifts for children.
It is worth noting that Article 420 of the Federal Penal Code was amended in 2023, increasing penalties for crimes against biodiversity.
Furthermore, the National Guard is currently collaborating with PROFEPA to secure specimens at bus terminals and airports as part of the Permanent Program against Illegal Wildlife Trafficking.
These species cannot be subject to extractive exploitation for subsistence or commercial purposes; they are considered part of the protected wildlife due to their ecological importance and the need to preserve their population in the wild. For this reason, the illegal capture and sale of these species not only endangers the animals’ survival but also contributes to the loss of biodiversity.
Most of these animals do not survive the capture and transportation process because they are not adapted to the conditions imposed by traffickers, increasing the mortality rate of these birds before they reach buyers.
These are the penalties for keeping parakeets or parrots at home. Remember that, in addition to being a crime, the trafficking and possession of wild birds affect Mexico’s fauna and natural ecosystems. Acting responsibly is essential to preserving our biodiversity.