Resumo

DOMINGUEZ-PEREZ, María Guadalupe et al. Characterization of nesting sites of the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (Aves: Psittacidae) in the Baja California peninsula, Mexico. Acta Zool. Mex [online]. 2026, vol.42, e2809.  Epub 22-Jun-2026. ISSN 2448-8445.  https://doi.org/10.21829/azm.2026.4212809.

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is an invasive exotic species that has successfully established itself in many urban and suburban areas of Mexico, favored by factors such as the international pet trade, intentional or accidental release, and the construction of large communal nests. This ability has enabled the species to thrive in a wide range of climates and cause negative impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, infrastructure, and human health. The objective of this study was to identify the structural composition of monk parakeet nests to propose control and mitigation strategies for the Baja California Peninsula. Between November 2019 and November 2020, we surveyed urban and suburban areas with previous reports of the species, covering five key sites: Mexicali, Tijuana, Guerrero Negro, La Paz, and Loreto. At each site, we characterized nest morphometry and the composition of plant materials used in construction. Analyses comparing these attributes among sites included non-parametric tests and cluster analyses. In total, we recorded 58 nests distributed as follows: Mexicali (18), Guerrero Negro (17), Tijuana (11), La Paz (8), Loreto (3), and Ensenada (1). The average height of nest bases was 9.5 ± 2.4 m, trunk diameter was 43.6 ± 16.3 cm, and canopy area was 6.87 ± 5.08 m². The most frequently used nesting bases were Phoenix dactylifera (30 nests) and Washingtonia robusta (30 nests). Nests were located, on average, at a height of 7 ± 2.3 m and had an average of five entrances. We identified 21 plant species from 14 families used in nest construction, with Prosopis sp. (15%) and Citrus sp. (11%) being the most frequently used materials. Suggested actions include systematic monitoring of sightings and nesting sites, reducing structures that facilitate nesting, nest removal and population control, and implementing environmental education programs targeting key sectors of the population.

Palavras-chave : control; eradication; invasive exotic species, management.

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