The Puerto Rican parakeet or Puerto Rican conure is an extinct species of parrot that was found on Mona Island and possibly in Puerto Rico.
Region
Caribbean (Greater Antilles)
Typical Environment
Historically restricted to Mona Island between Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, with possible occurrence in adjacent parts of Puerto Rico. It inhabited dry subtropical woodland, coastal scrub, and limestone karst with scattered trees. Birds likely foraged along forest edges, clearings, and cliff-top vegetation where fruiting shrubs and trees were abundant. Roosting probably occurred in tree cavities or crevices within the island’s porous limestone.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Puerto Rican conure, this island parakeet was last confirmed from Mona Island and is believed extinct since the 19th century. It was closely related to other Caribbean Psittacara parakeets and likely formed noisy flocks over dry coastal forests. Overhunting and habitat loss are thought to have driven its decline. Only a handful of museum specimens and historical accounts document its existence.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with fast, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in small to medium flocks, becoming noisier in flight and at communal roosts. Pairs likely nested in natural cavities such as tree hollows or limestone crevices. Cooperative flocking would have aided in locating fruiting trees and evading predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations were probably loud, rasping screeches and rolling chatter typical of Psittacara parakeets. Calls carried over long distances and were used to keep flocks in contact during flight and foraging.
Plumage
Predominantly green with brighter green upperparts and slightly paler underparts; likely small red patches on the face or wing bend typical of Psittacara parakeets.
Diet
A varied plant-based diet of fruits, seeds, and flower buds from native dry-forest trees and shrubs. It likely took cactus fruits and palm fruits when available and may have exploited seasonal flushes of blossoms for nectar. Foraging was primarily arboreal, with birds moving between fruiting canopies and edges.
Preferred Environment
Canopy and mid-story of dry forest, coastal scrub, and woodland edges. It also foraged along cliff-top vegetation and in scattered groves where fruiting plants were concentrated.
