Nonnatives - Dusky-headed Parakeet

Dusky-headed Parakeet - Aratinga weddelliiFlorida's

Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.

First year: 1984

Extirpated year:

Established status: Species are present but not confirmed to be breeding. Population persists only with repeated introductions and/or escapes of individuals.

Estimated Florida range: 1 county  At least 10 years

Statewide trend: Unknown status

Threats to natives:  Members of the parrot family carry Newcastle disease, identified in 1971, which can infect native songbirds, game birds, domestic chickens and turkeys, and other exotic bird species. The native bird species can be infected by smuggled exotic birds and birds not properly quarantined that are released into the wild. This species also breeds in cavities which might limit the number available to native cavity nesters.

Species Account: Native to Columbia and Bolivia. Mass releases might have been made by Florida dealers to avoid disease inspections.

Habitats: Central or core urban area.

References

Robertson, W. B., and G. E. Woolfenden. 1992. Florida bird species: an annotated list. Florida Ornithological Society, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Stevenson, H. M., and B. H. Anderson. 1994. The birdlife of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Back to Nonnative Birds