Carolina Parakeet The Carolina Parakeet was the only species of parrot native to the eastern United States. It inhabited the forests ranging from Ohio Valley to the Gulf of Mexico. There were several reasons for the extinction of this species, most prominent being clearing of forest land for agricultural purpose, which led to loss of habitat for the bird. They were extensively hunted for their colored feathers, which were used for decoration. Large-scale culling was executed by farmers, who considered these birds to be pests. Some theories also suggest introduction of honey bees and a mysterious poultry disease played an important role in extinction of these beautiful birds. The last Carolina Parakeet in the wild was killed in Florida in 1904, while the last individual of this species in captivity died in Cincinnati Zoo in 1918.
