Jamaican parakeet

The Jamaican Parakeet

The Jamaican parakeet, recognized taxonomically as the nominate subspecies (E. n. nana) of the olive-throated parakeet (Eupsittula nana), is a species of parrot native to Jamaica and has been introduced to the Dominican Republic. This bird belongs to the Arinae subfamily within the Psittacidae family, encompassing the African and New World parrots.

Physical Description

Adult Jamaican parakeets are characterized by their predominantly dark green plumage on the head and upperparts, complemented by yellowish ear coverts and a yellowish rump. A distinctive feature is the bare white skin encircling their eyes. Their throat and breast display an olive-brown hue, which gradually transitions to olive on the belly and vent. The wings are largely green, with dull blue visible on the upper side of the flight feathers and gray underneath. The tail is green on its upper surface and yellowish beneath. The bill is typically a brownish horn color with a lighter tip, their irises are yellow to orange, and their legs are blackish gray. Immature birds bear a resemblance to adults.

Distribution and Habitat

The natural range of the Jamaican parakeet is Jamaica, though it has established a presence in the Dominican Republic due to introduction. Their preferred habitat includes deciduous woodlands, the interior and edges of humid forests, riparian zones, and scrublands. They are also found in more open landscapes such as plantations, clearings with trees, and gardens, and notably inhabit pine stands.

Behavior and Diet

These parakeets are social creatures, often observed in flocks. In Jamaica, flocks typically consist of up to about 20 individuals. Their diet is largely comprised of fig fruits (Ficus), supplemented by other fruits, leaves, and flowers. On Jamaica, the species is considered a crop pest due to its feeding habits, particularly on maize, but also on corn and cultivated fruits.

Reproduction

The breeding season for the Jamaican parakeet in Jamaica occurs between March and June. They construct their nests in cavities within termitaria, which they usually excavate themselves. In some instances, nesting in tree holes has been recorded on Jamaica. The clutch size generally ranges from three to five eggs, though details regarding incubation and fledging periods are not extensively documented.

Conservation Status

The Jamaican population of the olive-throated parakeet is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This designation is a result of a confined geographic range and an estimated population of 10,000 to 20,000 mature individuals, which is believed to be declining. Major threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, exacerbated by coastal development for residences and tourism. Small-scale poaching for food and the pet trade also contribute to population declines. Despite being persecuted as a crop pest, the species is considered common in Jamaica.