Sometimes while I am waiting for the train at my station near Dan Ryan Woods, I hear unmistakable screeches from large green birds flying overhead in a group. At the recent Wild Things Conference (more than 1,400 nature loving folks getting together to learn about how to make things better in the region) l attended a really interesting session about these potentially invasive parrots.
The monk parakeet is one of 25 introduced parrots in the United States, first spotted in Chicago in 1973. The crazy thing is it’s the only one that lives north (think of the south as approximately north Georgia to mid-California). And, they are the only ones to actually live in their nest year round and stay here in the winter – not to mention they are the only parrot of 300 worldwide that actually builds its own nest (others use cavities in trees and such). And, the only thing they eat in winter is seed from bird feeders.
They build their nests, or “nesting chambers,” in groups, like bird condos, and there are about 385 chambers in the Chicago area. While they sort of fill a niche that was vacated by the extinct Carolina parakeet, both birds have faced persecution because of economic damage (that’s how the government decides if a species is invasive).
The Carolina didn’t survive the onslaught of angry farmers, but the monk enjoyed extra protection because of Mayor Washington’s affinity for them. Sort of fitting for Chicago, favoritism ensures success.
By: Benjamin Cox, President of Friends of the Forest Preserves
Benjamin Cox became Friends’ first Executive Director in 2004. Benjamin graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a degree in journalism and minors in Spanish and Environmental Studies. As President and CEO, Benjamin addresses a range of policy issues, works to bring resources to the Forest Preserves District, advises the Board of Commissioners, advises and works for stewards, bikers, birders and other constituency groups, and more.