Meet the Flock: Exotic Birds of Horseshoe Bay Resort
You don’t have to board a plane to a tropical island to experience the vibrant beauty of exotic birds – visit Horseshoe Bay Resort! Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, our resort is home to 15 feathered residents: 14 colorful parrots and one elegant flamingo. Exotic birds have been part of Horseshoe Bay since the resort’s beginnings in the 1970s, when founders Wayne and Norman Hurd combined their love of parrots with their vision of creating one of the nation’s finest international resort communities. Over the years, our flock has grown, with nearly all of the birds being rescues surrendered by previous owners. Many of them are endangered species, making their presence here even more special. From playful personalities to striking plumage, each bird brings something unique to the resort, and we can’t wait for you to meet them!
Fun Fact: Parrot is an umbrella term for all birds in the order Psittaciformes, encompassing over 350 different species.
Peaches & Gracie: Our Cockatoos
Our cockatoo duo brings plenty of personality to the Horseshoe Bay Resort flock.
Peaches, a Salmon-Crested Cockatoo, has lived in several places, with New York as her starting point and Horseshoe Bay Resort most likely being her fourth home. She earned her name from the soft peach tint of her feathers, but it also fits her perfectly because she absolutely loves eating peaches. Guests also discover one of her quirkiest habits, which is running people’s hair gently through her beak.
Gracie, an Umbrella Cockatoo, is the quieter half of the pair. She is still in training and needs more socialization before she is ready to greet guests. Her calm presence adds a sense of balance to the flock, and in time, she will be just as beloved as Peaches.
Fun Fact: Cockatoos are among the top ten loudest animals in the world. Their calls can reach up to 129 decibels, which is about as loud as a rock concert.
Our Three Amazon Parrots: Poncho, Checo, & Banjo
Our three Amazon Parrots are some of the most talkative members of the flock, each with their own charm and quirks.
Poncho, a Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot, is known for his impressive singing voice. Guests might hear him belt out songs like “Jingle Bells,” “Old McDonald,” and “Oh, My Darling Clementine.” He can even speak Spanish, showing off just how intelligent Amazon Parrots can be. Poncho does have cataracts, which means he is not able to interact with guests, but his musical talents still make him unforgettable.
Checo, a Double Yellow-headed Amazon Parrot, is full of humor and has a knack for picking up on social cues. He often lightens the mood by saying “Awkward!” at just the right moment, and he never hesitates to tell people “I love you.” His playful personality makes him a favorite among those who meet him.
Banjo is the newest addition to our flock. He is a forty-year-old Orange-wing Amazon who quickly made himself at home. Banjo has a soft spot for children and a surprising love for Frito chips, which he is never shy about asking for. His friendly and curious nature makes him an instant companion to anyone who spends time with him.
Fun fact: Amazon Parrots are among the most vocally skilled birds in the world. They thrive on attention, and our three love nothing more than to talk and sing for their audience.
The Macaws: Rio, Jekyll, Red, Mason, and Buster
Our five macaws are some of the most striking and energetic birds at Horseshoe Bay Resort, each with a personality as bold as their brilliant feathers.
Rio, a Green-winged Macaw, has grown up right here at the resort. Raised with care since he was a baby, Rio is truly part of the Horseshoe Bay Resort family and has lots of experience interacting with guests.
Jekyll is another Green-winged Macaw and one of the most seasoned members of the flock at fifty years old. His wisdom and steady presence make him a gentle counterpart to some of the younger and more mischievous birds.
Fun fact: Green-winged Macaws can reach flight speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making them both powerful and graceful in the air.
Red, a Scarlet Macaw, is inseparable from Jekyll. The two are true lovebirds and share a special bond. Scarlet Macaws stand out from other species with their striking yellow feathers along the wings and back, making them instantly recognizable.
Fun fact: Many exotic birds, including macaws, mate for life.
Mason, our Chestnut-fronted Macaw, brings a different kind of energy to the flock. Mason loves 1990s rap music and will bob his head along to the beat whenever it’s played. As a mini macaw, Mason is smaller than the others, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in attitude. Severe Macaws are naturally more aggressive, which is why they are less common as pets.
Fun fact: Their smaller size is an evolutionary adaptation that allows them to nest in smaller tree cavities in the wild, reducing competition for space.
Buster, a Blue and Gold Macaw, is nicknamed “Buster the Brat” for good reason. He has a mischievous streak and loves to intimidate people by repeating “What? What?” in a playful but bold tone.
Fun fact: Young Blue and Gold Macaws typically stay with their parents for a full year before setting out on their own, giving them plenty of time to learn the skills they need to thrive.
Scooter the Sun Conure
Scooter may be small compared to some of our other parrots, but his personality is anything but quiet. This vibrant Sun Conure is known for its high-pitched squawk, which can carry across the resort. Despite his loud voice, Scooter is one of the most affectionate members of the flock and absolutely loves to cuddle. His bright feathers and loving nature make him a guest favorite.
Fun fact: Sun Conures belong to the same family as parakeets, which explains both their playful spirit and their talent for bonding closely with people.
The Congo African Grey Parrots: Joseph, Gypsy, and Kramer
The three Congo African Grey Parrots at Horseshoe Bay Resort are some of the smartest members of our flock, each with a unique personality that showcases the intelligence and charm of this species.
Joseph is playful and vocal, often whistling and even catcalling guests for a bit of fun. He can also say “Hello” in a deep, surprising voice that delights anyone who meets him.
Gypsy is the shyest of the three. She is timid around people and prefers to observe quietly from a safe distance, adding a calm presence to the flock.
Kramer is our oldest African Grey at fifty-five years old. His age brings a gentle wisdom that balances the livelier personalities of Joseph and Gypsy.
Fun facts: African Grey Parrots have the mental and emotional capacity of a five-year-old child. They are incredibly intelligent, capable of forming strong bonds and even understanding abstract concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers. With proper care, they can live up to eighty years, making them lifelong companions.
Mingo the Flamingo
Mingo, our beloved Chilean flamingo, has been a cherished member of Horseshoe Bay Resort for twenty years. As the mascot of our Whitewater area, he greets guests at the first hole of the Whitewater Putting Course with his striking presence and graceful stance. Due to being a carrier of the West Nile virus, Mingo is unable to have flamingo companions, but he has found a home among our flock of parrots, African spurred tortoises, and the resort community.
Fun fact: The joint in the middle of a flamingo’s legs is actually their ankle, not their knee, which is a surprising twist for many guests who stop to admire its elegant posture.
Living at the Resort
At Horseshoe Bay Resort, our exotic birds are more than just attractions – they’re our family. We take pride in giving them the best care possible, providing constant enrichment and stimulation with a variety of new toys to keep them active and engaged. Their diet is carefully crafted to support their health and happiness, and each morning they receive a fresh salad filled with corn, cauliflower, zucchini, and other vegetables. They also enjoy plenty of pistachios, which are a favorite treat.
Much of the birds’ well-being comes from our amazing bird handler, Toni. With experience in both the tourism and animal science industries, Toni finds joy in combining her passions every day at the resort. She looks forward to spending time with the birds because she knows her work directly supports their livelihood and welfare. The growing opportunities for advancement and the increasing resources available for the flock keep her motivated and excited to continue investing in their care.
What’s Coming Next
Exciting things are on the horizon for our exotic bird flock at Horseshoe Bay Resort. In the Spring of 2026, we will be opening a brand-new aviary, giving guests the chance to visit the birds whenever they want instead of waiting for the birds to come to them. This new space will allow for a more immersive experience and provide the birds with even more room to explore.
We also hope to expand the flock and introduce new programs that will allow guests to interact with them in fun and meaningful ways. The future is bright for our feathered friends, and we cannot wait to share these experiences with everyone who visits the resort.
Ways to See the Birds
There are several ways for guests to enjoy the unique personalities of our exotic birds at Horseshoe Bay Resort.
Breakfast with the Birds: takes place on select weekends throughout the year. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the Granite Ballroom while Toni gives an engaging presentation about the birds. During this time, some of the birds perch on tables for a closer look, and photo opportunities allow guests to capture these special moments.
Flock Talk: happens on weekends at the Whitewater Patio. Guests can meet some of the birds up close, learn about their behaviors and habits, and see their vibrant personalities in action.
Throughout the year, guests can enjoy special activities that bring them even closer to our feathered friends. Critter Crafts offers a hands-on experience where participants design and make toys for the birds, giving them a creative way to interact with the flock while also supporting their enrichment. Another favorite is For the Birds Art Class, an interactive painting session where guests use the birds as live models and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home.
Be sure to check our resort calendar for all upcoming opportunities to meet and engage with our exotic birds.
Book your stay today and come see our beautiful, winged residents. From colorful parrots to our elegant flamingo, each bird offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you will not want to miss.