Green Parakeet (us-RGV)
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Regional Information
First reported in 1960 with a handful of reports in the 1970's and after 1984 the numbers increased substantially [1]. It is a native resident in northern Mexico within just 100 miles of the Texas border. With the virtual elimination of natural habitat in Tamaulipas for over 150 miles south of the Rio Grande these species are now a lot more common and easy to see in Texas than they are in Mexico [2].
Range, Abundance, and Seasonal Variations
Most Rio Grande Valley towns now have sizable populations of resident Green Parakeets [3]. Hard to find during the day as they quietly feed in treetops. Best time is near dusk when they gather for roosting.
One reliable place in McAllen is at the intersection of 10th and Dove where they gather on the utility wires in the hundreds, an hour or so before sunset, and then disperse around the neighborhood for roosting. Also check just north of Dove on the west side of 10th, right by an Allstate building or near Jay Ave. They can be easily located by their noise even after they go to roost. A previous pre-roosting location was just south at 10th and Violet near the Hastings Bookstore.
Weslaco is another good place to see Green Parakeets. The flock varies in size from year to year but is usually between 45 to 150 individuals. Each evening during the fall, winter, and early spring, about 20 minutes before sundown, they can be heard calling in flight from blocks away, usually approaching from the northwest. The parrots land in the tall trees around the Frontera Audubon Center and other areas around town to roost for the night. The flock leaves their roost site early in the morning as day light breaks. They divide into smaller groups and spread out over the city to feed on green leaves, flower buds, and seeds of taller trees in the neighborhoods.
In spring the flock breaks up and pairs form to nest in old tree cavities all over town. The adults stay near their nests, but the younger or single parrots continue to roost as small groups in the traditional roosting spots.
Directions and Maps
Directions for McAllen Parakeets
10th is a main north and south road in McAllen. Go north on 10th from US83. Keep going past Old 83 and past the tall bank build on the right at Nolana until you get to Dove. Alternately, from US83 go north on US281 and before you get to Edinburg follow the signs for Owassa Rd. which turns into Dove. Go until you reach 10th.
For a map see Rio Grande Valley Green Parakeet Locations.
Other Resources
- An article in the local newspaper about the parakeets (1/23/2006).
- Some research about Green Parakeets in captivity.
- Accepted by the ABA in '99.
Other areas
- In Brownsville near Dean Porter Park next to the Zoo. A large roost at Fort Brown in a dense stand of palms [4] and at the intersection of Honeydale and Los
Ebonos Streets, and near the international bridge.
- Reported in Austin in '95 [5].
- Laredo Historic District at the corner of Victoria and Davis [6]. Downtown near the ISD office [7].
- Harlingen near the intersection of Grimes and Business 77.
- San Benito behind the old Wal Mart store.
- Also in Pharr, Edinburg.
General Information
Size
Length: ??cm (??in), Wingspan: ??cm (??in)
Field Marks
Mostly green, darker above, long slender tail, gray orbital ring. Adult: Sometimes a few orange feather around the throat. Rapid wingbeats.
Similar species
Green Parakeets have a slightly shriller and higher pitched call then Red-crowned Parrots. They also have a long slender tail while the parrots have a stubbier straight edged tail.
Sounds
Very noisy shrill call while flying but quiet while feeding.
Feeding & Behavior
Fruit and nut trees; pecans, acorns, figs, and hackberries, etc. Pecans, especially, seem to be a favorite tree.
Habitat & Nesting
Nest in palm tree cavities.
Range
Northern Mexico and S. Texas, U.S.A.
Resources
