Is it illegal to own an orange-fronted parakeet?

It is native to Mexico, so it can't be captured or sold since 2008. Buying one feeds illegal trafficking.

Do budgies need a permit in Mexico?

They aren't a Mexican species, so the 2008 ban doesn't cover them. Buy one with an invoice from an established seller; if in doubt about any paperwork, ask Semarnat.

What should I do if I see parrots for sale on the street?

You can report it to Profepa. Don't buy them, even to rescue them: that keeps the illegal trade alive.

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Can I have a parrot in Mexico?

It depends on the species. Parrots, amazons and macaws native to Mexico can't be captured or sold since 2008. Budgies, cockatiels and other non-native birds are sold legally. This guide is not legal advice.

A green budgie and a gray cockatiel with a yellow crest perch on a wooden perch next to a window with plants

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Mexican parrots, amazons and macaws: no

Since 2008, Article 60 Bis 2 of the General Wildlife Law bans capturing, selling, buying, importing or exporting any bird of the parrot family (Psittacidae) whose natural range is in Mexico. Semarnat only authorizes their use for conservation or research.

That includes the orange-fronted parakeet (perico atolero), the green parakeet, amazon parrots and macaws. If someone offers you one, at a market, on the street or on social media, it most likely comes from illegal trafficking.

Birds that are sold legally

Budgies (periquito australiano).
Cockatiels (ninfa).
Lovebirds (agapornis).
Canaries and other non-native species bred in captivity.

For exotic species, the law requires a legal origin. Ask for an invoice and, if in doubt, ask Semarnat about its free procedure for exotic pets (SEMARNAT-08-056).

Penalties

Article 420 of the Federal Criminal Code punishes trafficking, capturing and illegally keeping protected species with 1 to 9 years in prison and 300 to 3,000 days' fine. Profepa can also seize the birds and impose administrative fines.

If you already have a Mexican parrot

If you've had it for years and don't know where it came from, contact Profepa to ask how to regularize your case. Don't release it: a bird raised at home rarely survives in the wild.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to own an orange-fronted parakeet?: It is native to Mexico, so it can't be captured or sold since 2008. Buying one feeds illegal trafficking.
Do budgies need a permit in Mexico?: They aren't a Mexican species, so the 2008 ban doesn't cover them. Buy one with an invoice from an established seller; if in doubt about any paperwork, ask Semarnat.
What should I do if I see parrots for sale on the street?: You can report it to Profepa. Don't buy them, even to rescue them: that keeps the illegal trade alive.

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Sources

Laws and procedures checked in November 2026. This guide is not legal advice: for a specific question, ask the authority.