Abstract

TINAJERO, Romeo  and  RODRIGUEZ ESTRELLA, Ricardo. Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), a new species breeding in the southern part of Baja California. Acta Zool. Mex [online]. 2015, vol.31, n.2, pp.190-197. ISSN 2448-8445.

We present data on presence and abundance, and nesting activity of the exotic monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in the southern portion of the Baja California peninsula. The monk parakeet was recorded for the first time in November 2012 at the town of Chametla, 7 km North of La Paz city and since then the monk parakeet has increased its numbers. We recorded nesting activity between May-August 2013 and May-August 2014. Nests were built on Mexican fan (Washingtonia robusta, 75%) and coconut (Cocos nucifera, 25%) palms. Monk parakeets were observed feeding on fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), mesquite (Prosopis sp.), tamarin (Tamarindus indica), guamuchil (Pithecellobium dulce) and pearlberry (Vallesia glabra), and remains of human waste foods. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of the establishment of this exotic species in the region.

Keywords : Exotic bird; desert scrub; Baja California Sur; Mexico; Myiopsitta monachus.

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