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Research Parrots in Brownsville

Lab of Avian Ecology College of Sciences

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  • Parrotlets in Venezuela
  • Parrots in Brownsville
  • Shorebirds at Boca Chica
  • Phylogenetic Comparative Studies
  • Comparative Development
  • Soundscapes

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Dr. Karl S. Berg
Associate Professor
Department of Biology and School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences
Office: Life Health Science Building 1.832
Lab LHSB 2.910
Email: karl.berg@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 882-5049

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Parrots in Brownsville

parrot on a tree

Red-crowned Parrots (Amazona viridigenalis) are a species of parrot endemic to northeast Mexico and extreme South Texas.  They are globally endangered with extinction owing to destruction of forests in their native habitat, capture for the illegal pet trade and aspects of their life history that make them especially vulnerable to extinction processes.

 

parrot roosting

Like many largish parrots, these birds need large tree cavities to breed. Because they do not excavate cavities, population sizes are limited by the number of suitable nest sites provided in nature. With support from Texas Parks & Wildlife, in 2016 we began building and installing artificial nest cavities in South Texas, while simultaneously estimating breeding and population size.   We expanded on the study through a collaboration with City of Brownsville, the Boy Scouts of America and the Public Utilities Board of Brownsville,. The Utilities Board generously lent bucket trucks allowing for installation and maintenance of nest boxes out of the reach of most predators.

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