TWO FEATHERS FROM THE EXTINCT CAROLINA PARAKEET

TWO FEATHERS FROM THE EXTINCT CAROLINA PARAKEETtwo feathers from the extinct North American Carolina Parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis, in excellent condition, each is attached to a small piece of skin,2.3 cm and 1.1 cm in length.This was the only species of parrot endemic to North America, and it originally ranged across the eastern, Midwest and plains states. Curiously its flesh may have been poisonous as cats apparently died from eating them, possibly because the birds used to eat the toxic seeds of cockleburs. This parakeet lived in huge, noisy flocks of as many as 200–300 individuals and possibly became extinct due to deforestation of its habitat. The last known specimen perished in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1918. These feathers originate from the collection of respected UK taxidermist Barry Williams and will be supplied with a copy of his COA and photo of the actual bird they came from.