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Carolina Parakeet  (Conuropsis carolinensis)

 
carolina_parakeet_1

Carolina Parakeet - museum specimen

Credit: © Wikipedia Commons | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Karolinasittich_01.jpg
 
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Did You Know?
Snyder (2004) argues that the Carolina Parakeet may have lasted longer into the twentieth century than previously thought, and that this bird may have been distasteful to predators due to its frequent utilization of the cocklebur - a plant highly poisonous to many other animals.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
None

Range: Formerly eastern United States, including the Mississippi Valley, New York state, West Virginia to E Colorado, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana and Florida. May have occurred as far north as S Ontario, Canada, or was possibly traded by indigenous tribes to and from the area.

Habitat:
Was found in regions of well-developed valley bottom forest; sometimes seen in altered open habitats.

Threat Summary:
The main causes for the demise of this species where seen to include shooting, either by farmers or for sport, capture for the pet trade (mid- to late nineteenth century), some habitat destruction and loss of nesting sites, and potential stresses from disease, possibly a viral neurological disorder (Gedney, 1876; Maynard, 1928-30).

IUCN Rating:
Extinct

Wild Diet:
Fed on cockleburs, sandspurs, fruits, both cultivated and wild; berries, corn, seeds, wild grapes, nuts, flowers, buds and possibly insects.

CITES Rating:
Not available

Ecology:
Were seen in large, boisterous flocks, flying about foraging by day. Were seen to return to communal roosts in tall trees at dusk. Were acrobatic in their feeding, clambering around tree branches with great agility (Maynard, 1881; Audubon, 1831). The birds were also seen to be mainly 'left-footed' in their feeding techniques (Wilson, 1811). Were also hardy in cold weather.

Clutch and Egg Size:
2 nearly rounded eggs.

Breeding Season:
Females may have incubated eggs in groups. Seen entering and exiting nest holes from March to June.

More Info Sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Parakeet

http://www.ben.edu/museum/carolinaparakeet.asp