Florida Invasion: 1/30/10
Florida Invasion: In the last fifty years, Florida's bird population has been invaded by
released pet populations, such as bubuls and parakeets, and other introduced species,
including ducks and swamphens. When we were in Florida during December of 2009, we
were able to photograph some of these exotics ourselves. While we enjoyed seeing these
sometimes strange and beautiful birds, we had to wonder about their survival and how the
natives compete with them for food and nest sites.
released pet populations, such as bubuls and parakeets, and other introduced species,
including ducks and swamphens. When we were in Florida during December of 2009, we
were able to photograph some of these exotics ourselves. While we enjoyed seeing these
sometimes strange and beautiful birds, we had to wonder about their survival and how the
natives compete with them for food and nest sites.
Red-whiskered Bulbul Purple Swamphen Muscovy
The invaders: (with breeding populations)
The Natives: (possible contenders for the same food and habitat? Though we believe there are enough
bugs in Florida to go around for the flycatchers!) BTW, all native parrots are extinct.
bugs in Florida to go around for the flycatchers!) BTW, all native parrots are extinct.
Baltimore Oriole Great Crested Flycatcher Mottled Duck Purple Gallinule
Orchard Oriole Eastern Phoebe Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Common Moorhen
Orchard Oriole Eastern Phoebe Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Common Moorhen
Eurasian Collared-Dove
White-crowned Pigeon
Mourning Dove
White-winged Dove
Mourning Dove
White-winged Dove
We also understand there is a problem with released pet iguanas. Populations have soared and
taken over neighborhoods. They are now finding hundreds of carcasses due to the cold weather.
taken over neighborhoods. They are now finding hundreds of carcasses due to the cold weather.
Black Spinytail Iguana
Common Green Iguana
Both introduced. Exotic fish
and snakes are also a
problem.
DO NOT release pets into
the wild!
Common Green Iguana
Both introduced. Exotic fish
and snakes are also a
problem.
DO NOT release pets into
the wild!
Monk Parakeet
and Yellow-chevroned
Parakeet
and Yellow-chevroned
Parakeet
Common Myna
Hill Myna
Spot-breasted Oriole