Jan Kalina | Geology Reports

USGS1994

Survival and causes of mortality in juvenile Puerto Rican parrots

Fifteen juvenile Puerto Rican Parrots (Amazona vittata) from wild nests in 1985, 1986 and 1987 were radio monitored an average of 110 +- 15.9 (SE) d (range 4-209 d) post-fledgling. Minimum survival was 67% (n = 3) in 1985, 100% (n = 4) in 1986 and 43% (n = 7) in 1987. Most mortality (three of five deaths) occurred during the first 35 d following fledgling. A major cause of mortality was predation by raptors. This research shows that additional studies are needed to define mortality causes to juvenile and adult free-flying Puerto Rican Parrots and to develop management guidelines to increase survival.

Journal of Field Ornithology↗

USGS1991

Home range and movements of juvenile Puerto Rican parrots

We studied home range and movements of 15 radio-marked, juvenile Puerto Rican parrots ( Amazona vittata ) fledging from wild nests during summer and fall, 1985-87. When juvenile parrots remained in the nest valley, home ranges during 1986 ( x̄ = 32 ± 10 [SE] ha, n = 4) were larger ( P = 0.0079) than during 1987 ( x̄ = 13 ± 6 ha, n = 5). After radio-marked parrots integrated into adult flocks, home ranges during 1986 ( x̄ = 1,075 ± 135 ha, n = 3) were similar ( P = 0.10) to 1987 ( x̄ = 416 ± 62 ha, n = 2). Juvenile parrots restricted their movements to nest valleys an average of 58 ± 29 days following fledging. After joining adult flocks, juvenile parrots routinely flew between the east and west slopes of the Luquillo Mountains but did not exhibit a seasonal pattern of movement. We recommend that captive-raised, juvenile parrots used in release programs be ≥ 5 months old to ensure they are mature enough to integrate into wild flocks.

Luquillo Mountains, Puerto Rico↗