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Are there parrots in the Virgin islands?

The Brown-throated Parakeet, also known as the St. Thomas conure or the brown-throated conure, is a species of parrot that is endemic to the U.S. Virgin Islands, some French Caribbean Islands, and other countries of South and Central America, and Mexico.



Yes, there are parrots in the Virgin Islands, though they are not as widespread as one might expect in a tropical paradise. The most notable species is the Puerto Rican Amazon (Amazona vittata), which was historically found across the Virgin Islands but became critically endangered due to habitat loss and hurricanes. In recent years, conservation efforts have been working to reintroduce and protect these birds in the region. Additionally, you are very likely to see naturalized populations of parakeets, such as the Orange-fronted Parakeet, which are often mistakenly called "parrots" by visitors. On the island of St. Croix, the "Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge" is a key area for birdwatching. While you may not see large "macaw-style" parrots flying in the wild as frequently as you would in South America, the islands are home to a diverse array of other tropical birds like the Bananaquit (the official bird of the USVI) and various hummingbirds. If you see large, colorful parrots in tourist areas like Charlotte Amalie, these are typically captive birds used for educational talks or "photo opportunities" rather than wild native species. For true bird enthusiasts, the lush, mountainous interior of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands offers the best chance to spot the more elusive avian residents in their natural habitat.

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Parrots of the Caribbean
  • Black-billed Parrot (Amazona agilis) - Jamaica.
  • Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala) - Cuba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands.
  • Hispaniolan Parrot (Amazona ventralis) - Haiti, Dominican Republic.
  • Imperial Parrot (Amazona imperialis) - Dominica Island.
  • Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) - Puerto Rico.


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Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) The official bird of the Virgin Islands is found throughout the West Indies. They favor shrubbery, forest borders, open areas and gardens.

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And they definitely live in these waters, Donna Nemeth, marine biologist and assistant professor of biology at the University of the Virgin Islands, said Tuesday. Nemeth verified something Borghi suspected: Bull sharks are thought to be territorial.

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