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Birders

In reply to the discussion: The Parakeets of London [View all]

csziggy

(34,189 posts)
5. Nanday Parakeets have established colonies across the US
Wed Apr 28, 2021, 09:45 PM
Apr 2021
Recognized by its black head (and formerly called Black-hooded Parakeet), this species was originally found in the central interior of South America, from southern Brazil to northern Argentina. It has been popular in the cage bird trade, and Nanday Parakeets escaped from captivity have established large feral populations around Los Angeles, in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, and along Florida’s southeastern coast. Smaller numbers are seen elsewhere, including other parts of Florida and near Phoenix, Arizona.



https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/nanday-parakeet


Monk parakeets are also very common in parts of Florida.

Inevitably, there were escapes; the birds found North America's suburban parks, golf courses, and lawns to their liking, and it wasn't long before feral colonies became established, even in cold northern cities like New York and Chicago (in their native South America they often live in the Andes foothills, and are thus adapted to tolerate colder temperatures than most parrots can stand). In the American south, the Monks are able to make a living from fruit trees and shrubs; in the north, they depend on human birdfeeders to get through the winter.



The USFWS made a brief attempt to eradicate the non-natives and was temporarily successful in removing colonies in California, but it soon became apparent that the effort was futile. Within a few years, Monk Parakeet colonies could be found in New York, Connecticut, Illinois, California, Texas, Louisiana, Oregon, New Jersey, and Alabama. The first nesting colonies were seen in Florida in 1969. Today, there are established populations in over 50 counties, including Tampa, St Petersburg, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, and Boca Raton. Flocks of the bright green birds can often be seen flying overhead or covering lawns looking for seeds and bugs. The parrots keep in contact with each other through constant screeches and squawks, and flocks can usually be heard from quite a distance away. A number of individuals serve as sentinels, watching out for hawks or other dangers.
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/31/1583700/-Florida-s-Invaders-The-Monk-Parakeet

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