Carolina Parakeet (Conuropsis carolinesis)

Parrot Family (Psittacidae)
Now an extinct species, Carolina parakeet was a mostly green parrot, reaching 12” in length. It had a yellow head, orange cheeks and bill, and a small yellow patch on its wings. Nested in tree cavities. There were 2 subspecies. Were found in large noisy flocks. Was the only parrot native and endemic to the eastern United States, inhabiting forests, especially around swamps, forest edges, and agricultural fields from the central US eastward. They were sometimes kept as pets. Consumed many different fruits, nuts, and seeds, such as thistles, sandspurs, and cockleburs. It also ate many cultivated crops, such as apples and grain; thus, many were killed as a agricultural pest. Unfortunately when one was shot, others would flock around the wounded or dead, which would result in more deaths. Many were also hunted for their feathers to adorn women’s hats. Exotic poultry diseases, competition by introduced honey bees for their cavity sites, and habitat destruction were also thought to have lead to their demise. The last confirmed wild bird was found in south central Florida in the early 1900s. The last captive bird passed away in 1918 at the Cincinnati Zoo. It was declared extinct by the American Ornithologists Union in 1939.

Historical in AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WV, & WI.

Copyright: Brett Miley