Monk Parakeet’s (Myiopsitta monachus) Ecological Parameters after Five Decades of Invasion in Santiago Metropolis, Chile

Monk Parakeets are considered one of the most invasive bird species given its unique capacity among psittacines to build their own communal nests. Originally introduced as pets in houses from where they escaped or were released, currently more than 20 countries worldwide. This is case Chile, during 1970s. Between 2016 and 2019 we searched Parakeets’ nests structures Santiago metropolis region. We identified 1458 on 546 trees belonging 34 tree species. Ninety-one percent occupied also introduced. Paraná pine cedar Lebanon with highest abundance nests, averaging four nests/tree/species, 23 18 maximum number respectively. Tasmanian blue gum black locust selected by parakeets often expected, based availability. From all trees, 24.6% denoted health problems 47.3% pruned. The average nest height was 14.2 m observed mainly secondary branches (59.3%). occupancy rate 89.7% associated type branch. During two reproductive seasons quantified eggs nestlings chambers 4.5 4.2, provide a rough population size estimate characteristics selectivity, aiming characterize several decades neglected urban invasion warrant strategies for improved management measures.