Parakeets investigating nest sites

[Jersali]

Saw (and heard) 6 parakeets squabbling around and flying up to the entrance to an old woodpecker hole today, they did appear to be paired, though none claimed the hole before they all flew, thought it seemed a little early to be choosing a nest site yet

[Jersali]

Oops, pic didn't upload, try again Al

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Jersali

Saw (and heard) 6 parakeets squabbling around and flying up to the entrance to an old woodpecker hole today, they did appear to be paired, though none claimed the hole before they all flew, thought it seemed a little early to be choosing a nest site yet

I've seen it stated that one of the problems with the parakeets is that they commandeer their nest holes early, preventing our native species from nesting.

The RSPB: Ring-necked parakeet: Breeding

Jim

[Jersali]

Thanks Jim, and thanks for link
Al

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I've seen it stated that one of the problems with the parakeets is that they commandeer their nest holes early, preventing our native species from nesting.

I believe that there is currently very little evidence that this sort of comprtition for nest holes does actually affect native birds. To date I am only aware of a single study where any negative effects were found - a study in Belgium that found Nuthatches were adversely affected. It is possible that as parakeet numbers increase they will have more effect though.

[~T~]

I saw this behaviour back in October.