Monk Parakeets
Hello Class,
For this week’s forum, the invasive species that I chose to discuss is monk parakeets. Monk parakeets are well known as quaker parrots and their scientific name is Myiopsitta monachus. These birds are native to Argentina and many countries in South America. However, there are many populations found throughout North America.
While conducting research, I discovered that monk parakeets are illegal in a lot of states. These birds are commonly found in some surrounding states of Georgia and are well known for being traded and used as pets. With these birds residing in surrounding states raised a high concern in the state of Georgia because of their ability to find their way into the state. Currently the state of Georgia has deemed monk parakeets illegal. These birds are illegal because of the huge threat they pose to our agricultural crops, human beings, native birds, and due to their nature of creating large bulky nests. Monk parakeets are well known for their large nests that are usually found on power lines, towers, and in trees and this results in money being spent to have the nest removed. The threat they pose to native birds is that they can prevent them from receiving food due to their aggressive nature.
I believe this invasive species have been so successful is due to their ability to multiply rapidly and because of their aggressive nature. According to an article, monk parakeets lay about five to twelve eggs and these eggs are fully hatched within twenty-four days. Prohibiting this species from the state of Georgia is a way to combat them and protect the people, native birds, and agricultural crops. The most interesting thing that I discovered is that this species is the only one of their family to create their nests out of sticks and contain about 20 chambers in one nest.
-Erykah
References
Monroe, R. (2019, August 14). Why Is a Quaker Parakeet Illegal in Some States? https://animals.mom.com/quaker-parakeet-illegal-states-8373.html.
