Audubon's Carolina Parakeet Notebook

This vibrant reproduction of John James Audubon’s Plate 26 from Birds of America captures a lively flock of Carolina Parakeets feasting on a cockle-bur bush. Once abundant across the southeastern United States, these striking birds were often seen in noisy flocks of up to 300, with their green bodies, sunny yellow heads, and fiery orange faces creating a stunning sight. Despite their tropical plumage, Carolina Parakeets were considered a nuisance by farmers, and at the time Audubon painted them, they were a common sight. Sadly, this indigenous parrot is now extinct—the last known Carolina Parakeet died in captivity in 1914, with the species officially declared extinct in 1939. Interestingly, their diet of toxic cockle-burs likely made their flesh poisonous, causing many domestic cats to perish after hunting these brightly-colored but easy prey. Deforestation, hunting, and possibly a domestic poultry disease contributed to their dramatic decline, leaving this print as a rare glimpse into a lost chapter of American wildlife. Audubon’s artwork preserves the beauty and energy of these unique birds, offering a reminder to appreciate and protect nature’s treasures. This print is ideal for history buffs, bird enthusiasts, or anyone who values the rare and exotic.