Synopses & Reviews
This book provides the first comprehensive account of the biology of one of North America's most enigmatic and colorful wildlife species, the Carolina Parakeet. The only parrot endemic to the United States, this species once ranged in large, noisy flocks from Florida to New York, and as far west as Colorado. But although it was still widespread and common during the time of John James Audubon (whose illustration of the species is perhaps his finest work), the parakeet was gone completely by the mid-twentieth century.
Through analyses of historical accounts and presentation of considerable new information gleaned from interviewing senior citizens with firsthand knowledge of the species, Noel Snyder develops an intriguing portrait of the parakeet that challenges long-held assumptions.
Although it has long been believed that the Carolina Parakeet was exterminated largely by shooting, Snyder argues that exotic diseases may have figured more heavily in its final disappearance. He also presents evidence that the parakeet lasted far longer into the twentieth century than generally believed, and that it may have been toxic and distasteful to predators by virtue of its frequent consumption of the cocklebur--a plant highly poisonous to many other vertebrates. Snyder proposes avenues of research that could help resolve some of the enduring mysteries about this fascinating bird, and he discusses the significance of its extinction for wildlife conservation in general.
Review
The Carolina Parakeet is a terrific natural history that offers some new ideas on this species' habits and demise. Scott Shalaway, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Review
"This is a wonderful compendium, caveated and collated with care." Adrian Barnett, California Wild Magazine
Synopsis
"This book is set to be the definitive work on the extinction of the Carolina Parakeet. Not only does Noel Snyder present the only new information on the species that has come to light in decades, but he provides an enjoyable account of days gone by in the world of ornithology and an interesting look at pre-strip-mall Florida. Historians of science, those interested in the conservation of endangered species, parrot lovers (aka parrot owners), and Floridians will be especially interested in reading this well written and enjoyable account."--Donald Brightsmith, Duke University, and Research Director of Rainforest Expeditions
"The generally accepted version of the loss of the Carolina Parakeet is that it was driven to extinction by hunting, and that the last individual died in 1914 in the Cincinnati Zoo. This fascinating account shows that neither is likely true. The interviews are revealing and entertaining, providing an insight into human history as well as the history of this enigmatic parrot."--Michael J. Parr, American Bird Conservancy, coauthor of Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World
About the Author
Noel F. R. Snyder is the author of four books on natural history subjects, including "The California Condor". He spent more than three decades as a researcher for independent and government conservation organizations, and before that had been Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of South Florida. He is former Director of Parrot Programs for Wildlife Preservation Trust International (1989-1998) and the recipient of several national conservation awards.
Table of Contents
Illustrations and Tables ix
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction 1
Chapter 1. Basic Characteristics of the Species 6
Characteristics in Flight and on Foot 7
Vocalizations 8
History of Scientific and Common Names 9
Relationship to Other Parrots 10
Chapter 2. The Decline and Fall 12
Historical Population Trends 13
Last Days of the Parakeet in Florida 14
Personal Recollections of Parakeets 19
Other Late Sightings in Florida 25
Chapter 3. Controversial Last Records 32
The Parakeet Eggs of Charles Doe 33
Parakeets in the Okefenokee 59
Parakeets along the Santee 61
Even More Recent Sightings 76
Chapter 4. Habitat Preferences and Requirements 82
Chapter 5. Feeding Habits and Movements 86
Diet and Feeding Behavior 86
Movements 93
Chapter 6. Breeding Habits 96
Nest-Site Types and Social Relationships 96
Timing of Breeding; Nest, Egg, and Nestling Characteristics 104
Chapter 7. Causes of Extinction 108
Shooting 109
Capture for the Pet Trade 112
Food Supplies 113
Nest Sites 113
Predators and Parasites 115
Disease 116
Chapter 8. Parakeet Toxicity and Other Topics for Research 121
Chapter 9. Postmortem of a Conservation Failure 126
Chapter 10. Evaluating Historical Data, and Some
General Conclusions 129
Assessing Interview Information 130
Musings on the Fate of Central Florida 134
Some Positive Parakeet Legacies 136
The Cocklebur and Its Many Potential Roles 138
A Last Look Back 140
References Cited 141
Index 149