Thursday, October 21, 2010

What are 10 invasive birds in North Amreica and where did they come from?What are their distributions?

This is a good question. I'll list 10 of the hundreds of bird species that have been introduced to North America and their origins. Then I'll provide links to web sites where you will be able to determine their distributions.


House sparrows and House finches were here by Europeans who were homesick and who thought the birds might control pests. They have thrived here, so much so that they threaten bluebird populations in some areas.


European starlings, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, were first brought here by Shakespeare enthusiasts in the 19th century. (The lab's web site doesn't say why.)


Rock Doves or Rock Pigeons are native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. The species was first introduced to North America in 1606.


Sacred Ibis. This African bird was introduced for sale to bird enthusiasts, but has managed to establish a wild population in parts of North America.


Green Parrots were also introduced from South America for sale in pet stores.


Indian peafowl were brought here by travelers who wanted to add an exotic touch to their gardens.


The muscovy duck is a native to Mexico and Central and South America. North American breeders brought it here to add to their domesticated flocks.


Another Mexican native is the spot-breasted oriole. It was brought to North America in the 1940s.


Crested myna, originally from China, were brought to the Vancouver area in the late 1800s for use as caged songbirds. As happens, some birds either escaped or were released and were able to establish colonies in the wild.


I hope this helps.

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