Interactions between Invasive Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and Other Bird Species during Nesting Seasons in Santiago, Chile

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is an invasive species, unique in the parrot family for its ability to build large nest structures. This species became globally distributed, promoted in part due to the pet trade market, and now is considered a pest because of the economic losses they produce. During the reproductive seasons of 2017 and 2018, we registered interactions between invasive monk parakeets and resident bird species in Santiago, Chile. We observed positive and negative interactions, and herein, we describe parakeets’ nest occupancy by nine bird species, two invasive and seven native. For this reason, the monk parakeet should be considered an ecosystem engineer, a species that is creating available breeding space of potential use for other species. Our results contribute to an assessment of implications of this ecological invasion of local urban wildlife, and raise concern on other impacts, such as disease transmission, as a consequence of these interactions.AbstractThe monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is considered to be one of the most invasive bird species because its unique ability among parrots to build their own communal nests. Currently, they are considered an invasive species in 19 countries and a pest—even in their native distribution—because of economic losses derived from their impacts. During the reproductive seasons of 2017 and 2018, we registered interactions between invasive monk parakeets and resident bird species in Santiago, Chile. We observed agonistic and affiliative interactions, and further, we described monk parakeets’ nest occupancy by nine bird species, two invasive and seven native. For this reason, we consider that the monk parakeet is an allogenic ecosystem engineer with the potential to shape distribution and richness of sympatric species in urban environments. Our results contribute to an assessment of the implications of the monk parakeet’s ecological invasion to other synanthropic species, and raise concern of other potential impacts, such as pathogen transmission derived from these interactions.

A protective nesting association with native species counteracts biotic resistance for the spread of an invasive parakeet from urban into rural habitats

“…Moreover, we monitored the community of medium-sized raptor species present in the study area, including the black kite Milvus migrans, the booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, the common buzzard Buteo buteo, the northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis, the red kite Milvus milvus and the peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus. Predation of monk parakeets by raptors has been recorded in its invaded range [20,24,27,84], as well in our study area, such as peregrine falcon [91] and golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos (E. Navarro pers. comm.).…”

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in Free-Ranging Introduced Monk Parakeets from Santiago, Chile

“…Monk Parakeets were introduced in Santiago of Chile in the early 1970s, when parakeets were released in the northeast area of Santiago, from where they started to spread to the rest of the territory [ 20 ]. Nowadays, Monk Parakeets are considered to be one of the most harmful species of invasive birds in Chile due to their negative impact associated with agricultural, fruit, and ornamental trees [ 5 ].…”

“…in fecal samples from Monk Parakeets captured in Northeast Santiago, Chile, was reported [ 5 ]. A second report described interactions between Monk Parakeets and other bird species in Santiago, Chile, revealing that parakeets and other species of birds can coexist pacifically [ 20 ]. Interestingly, this study showed that, as observed in other countries [ 21 ], other bird species make use of Monk Parakeet nests for breeding, evidencing Monk Parakeet’s role as an ecosystem engineer [ 20 ].…”

“…Considering that biological invasions can be a source of pathogens, some of them zoonotic, and can thus eventually affect the health of people [ 3 , 32 , 33 , 34 ], and that Monk Parakeets are synanthropic birds, keeping a close contact with human populations by building their nests within urban public squares and parks [ 20 , 21 ], investigating the sanitary state of these invasive birds becomes important. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a thorough inquest into the occurrence of these pathogens within Monk Parakeets located in Santiago.…”

The Sustainability of Keeping Birds as Pets: Should Any Be Kept?

“…Further environmental risks occur if captive birds escape. In addition to possible transmission of disease to other animals, the escaped birds sometimes establish breeding populations that have negative effects on some native species [ 23 ]. Examples of this include Rose-Ringed Parakeets ( Psittacula krameria) and Monk Parakeets ( Myiopsitta monachus) in European countries, where they are considered to be a major cause of biodiversity loss [ 24 ].…”