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Recognized by its black head (and formerly called Black-hooded Parakeet), this species was originally found in the central interior of South America, from southern Brazil to northern Argentina. It has been popular in the cage bird trade, and Nanday Parakeets escaped from captivity have established large feral populations around Los Angeles, in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, and along Florida's southeastern coast. Smaller numbers are seen elsewhere, including other parts of Florida and near Phoenix, Arizona.

When these stocky parrots fly overhead, they may be recognized by their loud cries of heeeyo, cra-cra-cra. Birds escaped from captivity are free-flying (and sometimes nesting) locally in Florida and California; those seen in southern Texas include escapees and possibly also wild strays from Mexico. Ironically, on its limited native range in northeastern Mexico, the species has declined seriously and might even be considered threatened.

Most parrots and parakeets nest in holes in trees, but this South American native builds bulky stick nests among the branches, both for raising young and for sleeping in at night. Many North American cities now have local colonies of Monk Parakeets, established by birds escaped from captivity. Despite some dire predictions in the past, these noisy but colorful birds have not yet spread to take over the countryside.

The natural range of this well-named parakeet is in Mexico and northern Central America, and its northern limit extends practically to the Texas border. That could help to explain why the species has done so well in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas in recent years. Green Parakeets escaped from captivity have established feral populations around several of the southernmost Texas cities, and flocks of hundreds can be seen flying around some residential neighborhoods. These flocks may include some wild birds that have strayed across the border from Mexico. Away from southern Texas, escaped individuals may be seen free-flying in practically any warm ÃÛèÖAPP on occasion.

This large, long-tailed parakeet is native to dry forest and scrubby habitats in several parts of South America. Birds escaped from captivity have established feral populations around several cities in southern Florida and coastal southern California.

Because it can be trained to imitate human speech, this chunky parrot has been popular in the cage bird trade. As a result, it is now endangered in the wild. Formerly widespread in Mexico and northern Central America, it is thought to have declined by 90 percent in it native range. Escaped cage birds have established feral flocks around Los Angeles and San Diego, California, and locally in southern Florida. The few seen in southern Texas are probably escapees also, although some might possibly be wild strays from the population in Mexico.

Native to western Mexico, these chunky parrots are often kept in captivity, and escaped birds may survive for years around southern cities. They are seen regularly in cities of coastal southern California, especially Los Angeles and San Diego. In Texas they are found both in the lower Rio Grande Valley of the southern tip and also around El Paso. Other sightings come from cities of southeastern Florida. In these feral flocks they often mix with related species such as Red-crowned and Yellow-headed Parrots.

Native to tropical South America, east of the Andes and south of the Amazon, these small parakeets are popular cagebirds. Escapees from captivity have become locally common around some cities in southern Florida and southern California. They are usually seen flying in small, noisy flocks.