Abstract

ROMERO-FIGUEROA, Guillermo et al. First record of the Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus) in the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. Huitzil [online]. 2023, vol.24, n.1, e647.  Epub Oct 20, 2023. ISSN 1870-7459.  https://doi.org/10.28947/hrmo.2023.24.1.653.

The natural distribution of the Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus) includes savanna, steppe and grassland areas in Chile and Argentina. Here we report the first record of this species in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. On 14 September 2018, we observed around 60 individuals foraging on the ground in a commercial area of the city. Additionally, between February and October 2021 we recorded individuals of C. patagonus perched on trunks of the Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta) and occupying cavities excavated in the trunks. According to the literature, C. patagonus naturally nests in cliffs, but is also able to use other plant and anthropogenic substrates for nesting. We recommend implementing a monitoring program to determine population dynamics of this species within the Tijuana urban area, as C. patagonus is a highly gregarious exotic species with strong potential to act as a reservoir for Herpesvirus and Chlamydia psittaci, which could have serious repercussions on public health.

Keywords : Burrowing Parrot; Cyanoliseus patagonus; pet trade; Psittaciformes; exotic species.

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