The Bird’s the Word
Biking around Surfside and noticed our green parrots? In the last few decades, parrots and parakeets have become a common sight in South Florida's cities and suburbs. Though not native to the area, these birds have become a part of the landscape, adding to the charm of Surfside and its harmony with nature.
Parrots or Parakeets?
Are wild parrots in Surfside actually parakeets? Though this seems like a trick question, all parakeets are parrots but not all parrots are parakeets.
Tropical parakeets generally are a bit smaller than a parrot, adults are 8.25 inches (21 cm) long and the females are usually smaller with a shorter, broader beak. They are mostly green with a large patch of feathers on their secondary areas such as the head, breast and wings in another color.
They have a long tail that is composed of a number of long, ribbon-like feathers that fan out during flight. And they are very noisy!
Parakeets roost or feed together in pairs or flocks. In Surfside, you’ll see them hanging out in palm trees and feeding on tropical fruits, especially mangos.
Parrot Identification Checklist:
Hispaniolan Parakeet (Aratinga chloroptera)
Native to Hispaniola, its plumage is green with yellowish underparts and with a red patch under the bend of the wing.
Mitred Parakeet (Psittacara mitrata)
The Mitred parakeet is a species of long-tailed green parrot that has red feathers on its head.
Mitred Parakeet (Psittacara mitrata)
Green parakeet (Aratinga holochlora)
A native of Central America, green parakeets are now seen in the Miami area.
Green parakeet (Aratinga holochlora)
White-eyed parakeet (Aratinga leucopthalmus)
The White-eyed Parakeet is a medium-sized green parrot distinguishable by a white orbital eye ring.
White-eyed parakeet (Aratinga leucopthalmus)
Yellow-chevroned parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri)
Native to tropical South America and now established in South Florida.
Yellow-chevroned parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri)
History of Parrots in Florida
Parrots and parakeets are not migratory, so in almost every case the species seen in Surfside were imported for the pet trade.
Many of the imported birds escaped in great numbers, while others were released or freed during storms such as Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Since Florida’s mild climate resembles the tropics, wild flocks have adapted and flourished for decades.
