A FEATHER OF THE EXTINCT CAROLINA PARAKEET

A feather of the extinct Carolina Parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis, in excellent condition,

3.5 cm long.

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.

Provenance:

This feather originates from the collection of respected UK taxidermist Barry Williams and will be supplied with a copy of his Certificate of Authenticity and a photograph of the actual bird it came from.