THE ‘ABACO’ PARROTS OF NASSAU: FEEDING TIME
New Providence, Bahamas – specifically in Nassau itself – now has a small population (c.15) of Cuban parrots. Their origin is debated, since the only known Bahamas breeding populations of these birds are on Abaco (underground nesting in limestone caves) and Inagua (conventional nesting). There’s more on the (probable) provenance of the New Providence birds HERE and HERE.
Whatever the location, the nesting arrangements or the precise origin, one fact is certain: these beautiful birds are prodigious eaters of fruit. Here are a couple of the Nassau parrots tucking in with relish on a sunny day. Soon they will fly off to other fruit trees nearby, emitting their loud excited squawks, to continue their day of feeding…
Note the wide businesslike spread of the claws
All photos: Melissa Maura, with thanks as always – and for a great new parrot header image…
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
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I hadn’t seen that post yet (been travelling over 2 days). Yes the pet trade has much to answer for – (and not just for these parrots). They have protection in Bahamas, and the underground nesting subspecies on Abaco has iconic status (along with an historic striped lighthouse). The very small Nassau population is believed to have originated from released pets or escapees, possibly mixed with Abaco birds from 50 miles north blown off course / disoriented by adverse weather. RH
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