Carolina Parakeet Bird Facts (Conuropsis carolinensis)

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.

The Carolina Parakeet can be found in Woodland habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Garden habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet can be found in Wetland habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Urban habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Desert habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

The Carolina Parakeet is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

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

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

United States of America

This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!

Share your thoughts

Bird 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Carolina Parakeet typically lives for 10 to 30 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

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.

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

Natural predators of the Carolina Parakeet included hawks, eagles, and large owls. Raccoons and snakes likely preyed on eggs and nestlings.

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.

Already have an account?

0/500 characters (minimum 20 required)

Visual Identification

Appearance

Size

Colours

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Distribution

Elevation Range

Climate zones

Distribution Map

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Bird Attributes Explained

Attribute Categories:

Understanding the Ratings:

Agility

Strength

Adaptability

Aggressiveness

Endurance

Diet

Behaviour

Vocalisation

Nesting & Breeding

Lifespan

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Population Data

Rarity Index

Birdwatching Tips

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Family:

Predators

Did You Know?

Was this bird profile helpful?

Community Experience

Community Ratings

Latest Community Reviews

No reviews yet

Community Reviews

Create Your Free Account Welcome Back!

Rate Carolina Parakeet

References