Purpose

This symposium will highlight recent advances in the research, monitoring, and conservation of Caribbean parrots (Psittaciformes), showcasing both long-standing programs and emerging initiatives from across the region. Presentations will explore shared threats—including habitat loss, invasive species, hurricanes, persecution, and illegal trade—as well as innovative conservation responses such as anti-poaching strategies, social marketing, monitoring, species recovery actions, and community-based conservation.

As charismatic flagship species, Caribbean parrots also provide powerful opportunities to promote environmental awareness, bird tourism, and sustainable livelihoods. The symposium will provide a forum to share lessons learned, strengthen regional collaboration, and identify priorities for the future of parrot conservation in the Caribbean.This symposium will be followed by the interactive workshop “Caribbean Parrots: Building a Collaborative Future for Conservation,” together forming the first-ever Caribbean Parrot Conservation Summit at a BirdsCaribbean conference.

Background and Rationale

Parrots are among the world’s most threatened bird groups, and island endemic species are especially vulnerable to extinction. Caribbean parrots face multiple pressures, including habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, hurricanes, persecution, and illegal capture for the pet trade. Their longevity, intelligence, colorful plumage, and ability to mimic human speech make them highly desirable pets, placing additional pressure on already vulnerable populations.

The Caribbean is home to nine species of Amazona parrots and two species of Psittacara, many of which are restricted to single islands. While some species, such as the Puerto Rican Amazon (Amazona vittata), have benefited from intensive recovery efforts, many others remain understudied and under-resourced despite significant conservation needs.

For more than three decades, BirdsCaribbean has promoted collaboration and networking among parrot researchers and conservation practitioners through its Parrot Working Group. This symposium aims to reinvigorate regional collaboration by sharing new science, conservation tools, outreach approaches, and practical solutions to support the long-term conservation of Caribbean parrots.

Session Objectives

Sharing is Caring: Voices of the Flock

• Share recent results, insights, challenges, and lessons learned from parrot research and conservation efforts across the Caribbean.

Celebrate Caribbean Parrots

• Showcase the brilliance of Caribbean parrots—their colors, calls, and charisma—and explore their power as flagship species for conservation, education, ecotourism, and community engagement.

Action for Parrots: Beyond the Squawk 

• Identify priorities, strengthen collaborations, and help inform future conservation actions and regional cooperation for Caribbean parrot conservation.

Session Structure and Format

The symposium will feature presentations by researchers, conservation practitioners, and organizations working on parrot conservation across the Caribbean. Topics will include species recovery programs, habitat protection, monitoring and research, illegal trade, education and outreach, community engagement, and emerging conservation challenges.

Presentations will be complemented by opportunities for networking, informal discussion, and celebration of Caribbean parrots and the people working to protect them. Participants will also be invited to take part in a fun parrot-themed “Extravaganza Coffee Break” and related social media activities designed to highlight the charisma and conservation importance of Caribbean parrots.

The symposium will help set the stage for the afternoon workshop and collaborative planning session focused on strengthening regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated conservation action through a revitalized Caribbean Parrot Working Group.