Elodie Guéguen-Teil- Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha)

The Thick-billed Parrot immediately captures attention with its curious expression and striking red and green plumage. In this portrait, I chose a direct gaze to create the feeling that the bird is looking at the viewer. For a brief moment, the roles are reversed, inviting a quiet encounter rather than simple observation.

The vibrant yellow background was carefully chosen to enhance the warmth of the bird's colours and create a joyful, luminous composition. Colour is an essential part of my work. Beyond highlighting each species, it brings optimism and life into our homes while encouraging us to slow down and reconnect with nature.

I selected the Thick-billed Parrot for The Art of Conservation because it is one of the most threatened bird species I have painted. Once found across the mountains of the southwestern United States and Mexico, it now survives only in a small part of northern Mexico. Through this portrait, I hope viewers are first captivated by its personality and beauty, then inspired to discover its story and the importance of protecting the ancient pine forests on which it depends.

The Thick-billed Parrot is listed as Endangered. Its decline has been driven primarily by the loss and fragmentation of mature pine forests, illegal trapping for the pet trade, and climate-related changes affecting its habitat.
Source: BirdLife International / IUCN Red List.

21x29,7cm (A4)

50% of the proceeds from this piece will be donated to Le Tichodrome, a local facility for injured wild animals. To learn more about their work please visit https://www.le-tichodrome.fr/

To see more of Elodie's work be sure to follow on Instagram @art.elodie.g