Threat Summary:

The main causes for the demise of this species were seen to include shooting, either by farmers or for sport, capture for the pet trade (mid- to late nineteenth century), some habitat destruction and loss of nesting sites, and disease possibly contracted from farm animals.

Range:

Formerly eastern United States, including the Mississippi Valley, New York state, West Virginia to E Colorado, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana and Florida. May have occurred as far north as S Ontario, Canada, or was possibly traded by indigenous tribes to and from the area.

Habitat:

Was found in regions of well-developed valley bottom forest, especially cypress swamps in the south and sycamore stands in the north. Regular visitors to farmland and other disturbed habitats.

Wild Diet:

Fed on cockleburs, sandspurs, thistles, pine seeds, bald cypress balls, fruits, both cultivated and wild; berries, corn, seeds, wild grapes, nuts, flowers, buds and possibly insects.