Carolina Parakeet
Conuropsis carolinensis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Carolina Parakeet was a medium-sized parrot, with vibrant green plumage covering most of its body. Its head was distinctively yellow, with orange-red coloring on the forehead and cheeks. It had patches of yellow to orange at the bend of its wings, on its thighs, and around its vent. The bill was pale pinkish-white, with areas of bare white skin around the eyes.
Both males and females shared nearly identical coloring, though males were slightly larger on average. Juveniles had mostly green heads with orange-red foreheads and lores and lacked the yellow-orange patches found on adults' wings and thighs.
Size
Length
32cm to 34cm
Wingspan
53cm to 58cm
Weight
250g to 300g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Green Yellow
Secondary Colour
Orange Blue
Beak Colour
White
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Carolina Parakeets inhabited the eastern United States, ranging from southern New York and Wisconsin to the Gulf of Mexico, and as far west as eastern Colorado. They favored old-growth forests, particularly those near rivers and swamps.
These birds were most commonly found in the southeastern states, including the Carolinas, Florida, and Louisiana. They were year-round residents, not engaging in long-distance migration.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Carolina Parakeet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Carolina Parakeet possessed remarkable agility, demonstrated through their acrobatic flying abilities and skilled manoeuvring through dense forest environments. Their medium size and wing-to-body ratio enabled swift, precise movements typical of parrot species.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not exceptionally strong compared to larger parrots, they maintained sufficient strength to crack tough seeds and nuts with their beaks. Their weight range of 250-300g suggests moderate physical capability for their size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These parakeets showed good adaptability in their feeding habits, consuming various seeds, nuts, and fruits. They thrived in different woodland environments and could handle varying elevations up to 1000 metres. However, they struggled to adapt to human-induced environmental changes.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally social and non-aggressive towards their own kind, forming large flocks. Their defensive capabilities were limited, making them vulnerable to predators. Their tendency to return to fallen flock members suggests a more cooperative than aggressive nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their ability to maintain energetic flight in large flocks and travel throughout their range demonstrates solid endurance. Their capacity to forage extensively and survive in varying weather conditions across their broad geographical range supports their strong endurance rating.
Diet
Carolina Parakeets primarily fed on seeds, nuts, and fruits. They showed a particular fondness for cockleburs and sandburrs.
These birds were also known to consume salt, often visiting salt licks. Their strong beaks allowed them to crack open tough seeds and nuts efficiently.
Behaviour
Carolina Parakeets were highly social birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks. They were known for their acrobatic flying skills, maneuvering through forests with agility.
These parakeets showed strong flock loyalty, often returning to fallen companions, which unfortunately made them vulnerable to hunters.
Vocalisation
Carolina Parakeets were known for their loud, raucous calls. Their vocalizations were described as a mixture of harsh squawks and more melodious whistles. The calls were often likened to 'qui-qui' or 'pi-pi-chu'.
In flight, they would emit constant chattering sounds, making their presence known even before they were visible.
Nesting & Breeding
Carolina Parakeets typically bred in the spring, forming monogamous pairs. They nested in hollow trees, often in small colonies. The female would lay 2-5 white eggs per clutch.
Both parents participated in incubating the eggs, which lasted about 23 days. The nests were simple, often just a bed of wood chips at the bottom of a tree cavity.
Chicks were altricial, born naked and helpless. They fledged after about 6-8 weeks but remained with their parents for some time after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Carolina Parakeet became extinct in the early 20th century, with the last captive bird dying in 1918. Factors contributing to their extinction included habitat loss, hunting for their colorful feathers, and farmers killing them to protect crops.
Their story serves as a cautionary tale for bird conservation efforts worldwide.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
0 (Extinct)
Global Population Trend
Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for historical records and museum specimens to learn about their appearance
- Visit natural history museums with Carolina Parakeet exhibits
- Study their former habitats to understand their ecological niche
- Learn about their extinction to promote the conservation of other parrot species
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Natural predators of the Carolina Parakeet included hawks, eagles, and large owls. Raccoons and snakes likely preyed on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- The Carolina Parakeet was the only parrot species native to the eastern United States.
- Their feathers contained a toxic substance, making them poisonous to cats.
- They were the most northerly distributed parrot in the Americas.
References
- 2
book, 1980: Mckinley, D., The balance of decimating factors and recruitment in extinction of the Carolina Parakeet, Pt. 1. Indiana Audubon Quarterly 58 (1):8-18.
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Conuropsis carolinensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22685776A195444267.
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