At a Glance

The natural range of this well-named parakeet is in Mexico and northern Central America, and its northern limit extends practically to the Texas border. That could help to explain why the species has done so well in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas in recent years. Green Parakeets escaped from captivity have established feral populations around several of the southernmost Texas cities, and flocks of hundreds can be seen flying around some residential neighborhoods. These flocks may include some wild birds that have strayed across the border from Mexico. Away from southern Texas, escaped individuals may be seen free-flying in practically any warm climate on occasion.
Category
Perching Birds
Conservation
Low Concern
Habitat
Forests and Woodlands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets, Urban and Suburban Habitats
Region
Florida, Texas
Behavior
Direct Flight
Population
200.000

Range & Identification

Description

12 1/2" (32cm) A fairly large parakeet with a long, pointed tail. Essentially shades of green all over, sometimes with a few scattered red or orange feathers on head.
Size
About the size of a Crow
Color
Green, Yellow
Wing Shape
Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Long, Pointed

Songs and Calls

A rolling, grating, high-pitched chatter.
Call Pattern
Flat
Call Type
Chirp/Chip, Raucous, Scream

Habitat

Native populations in tropical and subtropical woodlands, farmlands, and plantations; feral US populations in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas.

Climate Vulnerability

Conservation Status