First North American report of an American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) roosting in a Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) nest

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Florida Field Naturalist 45(1):18-20, 2017.
First North AmericAN report oF AN AmericAN Kestrel (Falco
sparverius) roostiNg iN A moNK pArAKeet (Myiopsitta monachus) Nest
Joshua M. DiaMonD
Florida International University, Southeast Environmental Research Center,
Miami, Florida 33199
Email: jdiam009@fiu.edu
The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is Florida’s most common and conspicuous
parrot; particularly widespread in urban and suburban environments (Pranty et al.
2006). In parts of Florida such as Broward County, they may outnumber all other parrots
combined (Pranty and Epps 2002). It is the only parrot that does not nest in natural tree
cavities, instead building large stick nests with many internal chambers, often compared
to an apartment building (Goodfellow 2011). A survey of over 1000 Monk Parakeet nests
in Florida found 50% were built on manmade structures, 39% on exotic trees, and 9%
on native trees (Pranty 2009). Each cavity is unconnected, and empty chambers are
sometimes occupied by other species. In this way, the Monk Parakeet creates a nest
web, transforming resources for secondary cavity-nesters, similar to woodpeckers.
These secondary nesters include perching birds like the White Monjita (Xolmis irupero),
Screaming Cowbird (Molothrus rufoaxillaris), baywings (Agelaioides spp.), Guira
Cuckoo (Guira guira), and Rock Dove (Columba livia), ducks such as Brazilian Teal
(Amazonetta brasiliensis), and falcons such as the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
and Spot-winged Falconet (Spizapteryx circumcincta) (Port and Brewer 2004, Nores
2009, Goodfellow 2011). The American Kestrel’s range extends into South America,
where it overlaps with the native range of Monk Parakeets. The American Kestrel is a
widespread breeding resident in South America, except for the rainforests of the Amazon
region. The Monk Parakeet’s native range is more restricted, occurring primarily south
of the Amazon. In Argentina, where both species are native, American Kestrels are
periodically observed usurping Monk Parakeet nest cavities (de Lucca 1992).I began
observing a group of Monk Parakeet nests in Miami, Florida at the start of February
2016. All birds were nesting on light towers surrounding an athletic complex at Florida
International University. I found large stick nests on eight out of 12 towers surrounding
the complex, each with one or two separate stick nests. On 8 February 8 I observed an
American Kestrel, perching above the nests atop the towers. This kestrel was observed
minutes later atop a different tower. The following day, I returned before dusk to observe
parakeets returning to roost. I observed the kestrel fly to a tower with two unconnected
parakeet nest piles, each with one visible cavity entrance. It briefly entered the lower
nest, exiting about one minute later, and subsequently entered the upper nest, which
it did not exit before sundown. Both nests on this tower were unusually quiet while
the kestrel was present. The American Kestrel was observed in the same area for the
next seven weeks, primarily perched and foraging. This bird’s favorite perch was netting
at the edge of the baseball field, from which it foraged on the wing for flying insects.
On another dusk survey on 16 March, the kestrel again was observed returning to and
roosting in the same nest.
I considered the possibility that this kestrel belonged to the rare subspecies
Southeastern American Kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus). Most kestrels found in Florida
are wintering migrants, members of the nominate race (F. s. sparverius) (Bohall-Wood
and Collopy 1986). The Southeastern American Kestrel has been declining for decades,

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and is listed as a threatened species by the State of Florida (Florida Natural Areas
Inventory 2001). F. s. paulus was extirpated from Miami-Dade County around 1940, and
from the 1940’s through the 1980’s, declined 82% in north-central Florida (Hoffman and
Collopy 1988). If this were the rare subspecies, it would be the first nest in the region in
decades. The kestrel was last seen 1 April. and I cannot assume it was the threatened
subspecies. This is the first account of an American Kestrel using a Monk Parakeet nest
in North America. While the American Kestrel was present, Monk Parakeets maintained
a presence at the nest, but recorded activity was low, with no nest building observed.
Following the kestrel’s departure, nest activity appears to have resumed a normal pace.
The Monk Parakeets were never seen attempting to chase away the kestrel, although I
repeatedly observed parakeets at several nests chase away European Starlings (Sturnus
vulgaris).
As Monk Parakeets have established populations north of Florida, this creates an
interesting opportunity for American Kestrels. Monk Parakeets are urban adapted birds,
thriving in human-dominated landscapes. Kestrels often forage in urban and suburban
areas, but could be limited by a shortage of nest sites. Evidence suggests American
Kestrels may be more flexible experimenting with unfamiliar nest and roost substrates.
Kestrels lay pigmented eggs, while most cavity-nesting birds lay white eggs, suggesting
they may have only recently adapted to cavity nests (Richards 1970). They are willing
to explore novel roosts, as 85% of wintering birds in Louisiana and 68% of wintering
birds in Pennsylvania used man-made substrates (Ardia 2001, Doody 1994). The Monk
Parakeet nests represent a novel resource in urban North America, providing nests and
roosts for kestrels, or other secondary-cavity nesters.
acknowleDgMents
This is contribution number 802 from the Southeast Environmental Research Center
at Florida International University. I am grateful to John Parrish for many constructive
suggestions that improved the manuscript.
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