Parrots in the wild in Polish cities

Area of Science:

• Ornithology
• Ecology
• Urban Wildlife Studies

Background:

• Non-native parrot species are increasingly found in urban environments globally, often linked to the pet trade and amateur breeding.
• Climate change may further facilitate the establishment of exotic bird populations in new regions.
• Previous literature suggests the presence of breeding parrot populations, particularly rose-ringed parakeets, in Poland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the extent and patterns of parrot occurrences in the wild in Poland.
• To identify the most frequently observed parrot species and their distribution.
• To assess the correlation between parrot sightings and urban environmental factors.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of citizen science data from social media posts regarding lost, found, and sighted parrots.
• Data collection spanned from October 2018 to December 2021, covering specific periods.
• Statistical analysis to determine species frequency and correlation with urban characteristics.

Main Results:

• Over 2,675 parrot sightings across 49 species were recorded in less than two years.
• The most common species observed were cockatiel (N=962), budgerigar (N=884), and rose-ringed parakeet (N=182).
• Parrots were most frequently sighted in urban areas, correlating with higher population density, income, and university-educated populations.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the significant emergence of non-native parrots in urban Poland.
• Rose-ringed parakeets are a notable species, indicating potential for new breeding sites.
• Continuous monitoring of wild parrot populations is essential for understanding their ecological impact and distribution.