Monk Parakeets: Tolerance and Territoriality
Loading...
Authors
Blanchard, Christine
Leedom, Liane J.
Issue Date
2015-03-27
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Monk parakeet
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a self-sustaining introduced species of parrot found in Bridgeport and surrounding coastal towns. This species is noteworthy for its elaborate nests that it often shares other species of birds. It is also of interest because of its intelligence, beauty, and complex social life. Because they are non-native Monks are not protected by law, and power companies and others deem them a nuisance due to their noisy vocalizations and tendency to nest on buildings, generators and telephone poles1. Monk numbers are on the decline in our area. In previous studies, kestrels, owls, speckled teals, tree ducks, falconets, cuckoos, white monjita, cowbirds, squirrels, bats, and opossums have been observed in Monk nests.2 We hypothesize, the Monks’ tolerance of other species may expose them to parasites, predation and aggression. This study reports data from our observations of Monk Parakeets living on or near the UB campus.