White-winged Parakeet (Brotogeris versicolurus)

From the cage to the wild: Introductions of Psittaciformes to Puerto Rico with emphasis on the invasive ecology of the white-winged parakeet

“…Diet observation of the white-winged parakeet coincide with previous reports on the island , are consistent to those reported elsewhere in their invasive and native range (Brightsmith et al, 2017), and show that although they use native species, the majority of the plant species consumed are exotic ones. Nesting phenology observations in the Metropolitan Area of San Juan are consistent with the findings of the population in San Germán (Tossas, Colón & Sanders, 2012), and in Florida (Brightsmith et al, 2017). Moreover, we found an unidentified species of mite (probably Pararalichus), which has been reported on B. versocolurus in its native range, along with Aralichus cribiformes and Echinofemur sp.…”

“…Many species of the Psittacidae family, including B. versicolurus roosts communally (Juniper & Parr, 1998;Brightsmith et al, 2017). The white-winged parakeet nests in arboreal termite mounds and sometimes in tree cavities .…”

“…In California, the parakeets have shown roosting site fidelity (Arrowood, 1981), and in Florida, seasonal and annual shifts in roost sites have been reported (Schroads, 1974). The birds were not marked in any of the studies, so it is impossible to determine if this involves the same individuals across time (Brightsmith et al, 2017). During the study period, we recorded observations on natural history information about the food and nest resources (plant species) used by the white-winged parakeet, and also extracted information from Pérez-Rivera et al (1985).…”

“…Moreover, because they nest in termite mounds, which are highly abundant in the secondary forests of Puerto Rico and parks, white-winged parakeets are not limited by the scarcity of tree cavities as in other parrot species. In addition, no predation observation have been made, indicating that predation pressure is low, and the potential predator pool is rather small (including Falco peregrinus, F. columbarius, F. sparverius, Acipiter striatus and A. cooperii;Brightsmith et al, 2017). Furthermore, trapping seems to supply the local (informal) pet market, rather than serving for exportation, further exacerbating releases into the wild.…”

Population increase and range expansion of White-winged Parakeets (<em>Brotogeris versicolurus</em>) in Puerto Rico

“…In California, the parakeets have shown roosting site fidelity (Arrowood 1981), and in Florida, seasonal and annual shifts in roost sites have been reported (Schroads 1974). The birds were not marked in any of the previous studies, so it is unknown if this involves the same individuals across time (Brightsmith et al 2017).…”