Parakeet

A parakeet is a term used for many different species of small to medium-sized parrots. These birds are generally defined by their slender builds and long, tapering tail feathers. There are approximately 115 different species of these seed-eating birds. Most of these species belong to the genus Pyrrhura. The name "parakeet" actually comes from the French word "perroquet." In modern French, the word "perruche" is used for parakeets and similar parrots. In American English, people often use the word "parakeet" to refer specifically to the budgerigar.

Parakeets exhibit various biological behaviors regarding reproduction and social structures. These birds often breed more easily when they live in groups. The presence of other parakeets can encourage a pair to begin breeding. However, living in groups can also cause conflicts between individuals if space is limited. Because of this, many breeders choose to work with single pairs. This method helps breeders avoid fighting and ensures they know the exact parentage of the offspring. On average, budgerigars lay between 4 and 6 eggs per clutch. Other parakeet species tend to follow a similar pattern, laying an average of 4 to 6 eggs.

There are many distinct groups and types of birds that fall under the parakeet label. The Australian budgerigar, also known as the shell parakeet, is likely the most common species. In the genus Neophema, small Australian parakeets living in grasslands are called "grass parakeets." Some smaller, long-tailed species of lories are also referred to as "lorikeets." In the field of aviculture, the term "conure" describes small to medium parakeets from the tribe Arini. These birds are mainly endemic to South America. Other South American examples include the genus Brotogeris, the monk parakeet, and the lineolated parakeet. Note that lineolated parakeets are unique because they have short tails.

Taxonomy, or the science of naming and classifying organisms, can be complex with these birds. Because "conure" includes birds from several different genera, taxonomists often avoid using that specific term. Similarly, names for larger species can overlap. For example, the Alexandrine parrot and the Alexandrine parakeet are two common names for the same bird, Psittacula eupatria. This species is one of the largest birds normally called a parakeet. The rose-ringed parakeet is another notable species. It belongs to the genus Psittacula and is native to Africa and Asia.

History and scientific discovery have helped us understand these birds over time. Zoologists first described the budgerigar in 1891. Today, the budgerigar is a massive success in the pet industry. It is actually the third most popular pet in the entire world, following only cats and dogs. In the United Kingdom, the rose-ringed parakeet has become a thriving population. In 2019, researcher Steven Le Comber published an analysis in the Journal of Zoology. He used geographic profiling to study how they arrived. He concluded the population grew from many small-scale accidental or intentional pet releases.

Parakeets have also made significant impacts on human populations in various cities. In the United States, monk parakeets have established growing populations in Brooklyn and Queens. They are also found in all five boroughs of New York City. In Chicago, a flock lives in the Hyde Park neighborhood. These birds were a favorite of former mayor Harold Washington. After his death, the Department of Agriculture wanted to remove them, but supporters threatened a lawsuit. In Europe, Brussels, Belgium, once had an estimated 10,000 parakeets. This made them one of the most populous birds in the city, second only to pigeons and sparrows.

Large populations can sometimes lead to management challenges for local governments. In Spain, parakeet populations reached 30,000 in areas like Malaga. Because the numbers were growing so quickly, Spanish authorities created plans to curb the population in 2018. While many species are thriving in cities, some native species have struggled. The green parakeet is still found in southern Texas. However, the Carolina parakeet, which was once native to much of the eastern United States, went extinct at the start of the 20th century. This shows how bird populations can change drastically over time due to many different factors.