Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), also known as Quaker parrots, are a species of parrot that originate from South America but have become established in wild populations in areas outside of their native range, including the United States. Monk parakeets are known for building large, communal nests out of sticks and other materials, which has led to them sometimes being considered a nuisance species. There are several potential negative impacts of monk parakeets, particularly related to their nesting behavior, competition with native species, and agricultural damage. This article will provide an overview of the key concerns associated with monk parakeets and the arguments for and against considering them an invasive species requiring control.
Negative Effects of Monk Parakeet Nests
One of the most notable potential issues associated with monk parakeets is the large, communal nests they build. Here are some of the main concerns about their nesting habits:
- Fire hazard – The nests can reach massive sizes, with some containing multiple chambers and spanning over 6 feet wide and weighing over 400 pounds. They often incorporate materials like sticks, logs, and wooden debris. The composition of these nests poses a potential fire hazard, especially when built on or near utility structures.
- Damage to utility structures – Monk parakeets frequently construct their stick nests on utility poles, cell phone towers, electrical substations, and other infrastructure. The enormous nests can damage equipment, cause power outages, and pose risks to utility workers.
- Disease and parasites – The large nests attract pests like insects, parasites, and rodents. They can harbor bacteria and spread disease like histoplasmosis.
- Nuisance hazards – Nests on power lines, lighting poles, and other infrastructure are oversized, unsightly, and challenging to remove.
- Weight and collapse risks – The nests have been reported to weigh up to 4,000 pounds. There are instances of the huge, bulbous structures collapsing and damaging buildings or injuring individuals below.
These potential hazards have led monk parakeets and their nests to be considered a public safety concern and nuisance by utility companies and local governments in areas like Florida, New York, and Connecticut. However, those calling for nest removal argue the nests only pose risks in certain locations on or near vulnerable infrastructure. Defenders of the parakeets say the birds should not be vilified for naturally expanding outside of their native range.
Competition with Native Birds
Another concern with introduced monk parakeets is their potential to compete with native bird species for resources like food and nesting cavities. Here are some of the possible competitive impacts:
- Cavity nesting – Monk parakeets nest in cavities, as do many native birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and bluebirds. The parakeets may occupy prime nesting spots needed by these native species.
- Food competition – The parakeets’ seed-based diet has significant overlap with birds like finches, sparrows, doves, and quail. High monk parakeet densities could reduce food availability in some areas.
- Aggressive behavior – Monk parakeets exhibit aggressive behavior toward other birds. They may outcompete native species for resources.
- Introduced diseases – As newcomers, monk parakeets may introduce new diseases that could spread to native birds if the species comingle at feeding stations.
However, there are a lack of quantitative studies affirming that monk parakeets outcompete or reduce the reproductive success of native birds. One study in Florida found no difference in the number of breeding attempts by two competing cavity nesters when monk parakeets were present. More research is needed on this question of competition between the parakeets and native species.
Agricultural Damage
The third area of concern is monk parakeets causing damage to agricultural crops and fruit orchards. Some of the crop losses attributed to the parrots include:
- Fruit orchards – Feeding on apples, oranges, mangos, grapes, and other fruits directly damages crops.
- Grains – Flocks descend on fields of rice, wheat, sorghum, and other grains, eating newly planted seeds, ripening grain heads, and entire mature plants.
- Vegetables – Young seedlings of crops like tomatoes, peppers, beans, and squash are consumed by foraging parakeets.
- Stored feed – Monk parakeets access stored grains at farms and feedlots, contaminating animal feed.
- Nurseries – Parakeets damage nursery stock and seedlings.
Farmers have cited monetary impacts in the millions of dollars from monk parakeet crop damage in places like Florida and Spain. However, some argue crop losses are localized, not widespread, and that farmers should implement deterrents or cover vulnerable crops.
Invasive Species Classification
A long-running debate has surrounded whether monk parakeets should be considered an invasive species in the United States. Here are some perspectives:
- Invasive species – Groups like the Audubon Society have labeled the fast-spreading monk parakeets as an invasive species that should be removed. They argue monk parakeets can thrive and spread without efforts to control them.
- Natural expansion – Others contend the parakeets are not “invasive,” but rather expanding their range through natural dispersal and adaptation. Most introduced bird species fail to thrive in new environments.
- Select control – Some advocate for selective control measures aimed at specific problem nests rather than all monk parakeets. Lethal control is argued to be unnecessary by parakeet defenders.
- Reclassification effort – The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to change the monk parakeets’ classification from “non-native” and “invasive” to “naturalized.”
This debate is likely to continue as monk parakeets spread to new regions. It highlights challenges in applying categorizations like “invasive species” to organisms expanding their ranges into human-altered environments.
Localized Control Methods
Where monk parakeet nests and feeding flocks directly threaten infrastructure, agriculture, or sensitive ecosystems, local control efforts may be warranted. Here are some management methods that have been employed:
- Nest removal – Utility companies and local governments may remove or knock down nests deemed a hazard. This is labor-intensive and often ineffective as parakeets rebuild.
- Nest contraceptives – Applying contraceptive implants inside nests or eggs prevents hatching and colony growth.
- Exclusion – Netting over utilities, structures, or crops physically blocks parakeets from problematic nesting or roosting spots.
- Deterrents – Devices like reflectors, predator decoys (falcons/owls), or noisemakers may discourage nesting in electrical substations.
- Population reduction – As a last resort, some regions have captured and euthanized monk parakeets when they prove persistent nuisance birds.
More research is needed on control strategies that balance community interests, human safety, and ethical considerations regarding the parakeets. An integrated management plan tailored to specific local problems may be the best approach.
Conclusion
Monk parakeets present a complicated case of a species expanding beyond its native range and establishing outdoor populations in the U.S. and elsewhere. Their large communal nests can potentially cause utility and infrastructure hazards, but mainly in specific problematic areas. Some groups argue monk parakeets compete with native cavity-nesting birds and agricultural crops, but further study is needed on these impacts. Ongoing debate surrounds whether monk parakeets should be considered an invasive species requiring widespread control or a naturalized species adapting to human landscapes. Targeted management solutions may be appropriate where monk parakeet nests or flocks pose clear risks. Any policies regarding this controversial bird will likely balance the perspectives of farmers, utilities, conservationists, and community members. With careful monitoring and smart mitigation of conflicts, monk parakeets may continue living side-by-side with people in their newly adopted habitats.