Nonnative Birds

In Florida, native species are those that have naturally occurred in the state since before the year 1500, or those which have arrived since that time without human assistance (such as the cattle egret). Florida’s bird checklist includes more than 470 native species such as great blue heron, snail kite and Carolina wren. “Accidental” or “vagrant” species from other regions or countries are routinely documented in Florida. These wanderers, such as the Bahama mockingbird and thick-billed vireo, are not considered a nonnative (exotic) species by the Wings Over Florida program.

What are nonnatives?

A nonnative (exotic) species is one deliberately or accidentally introduced by human activity and is free-ranging in an area to which it was not native in the year 1500. Other terms used to describe nonnatives include introduced, alien, escaped, feral, foreign and non-indigenous. More than 400 nonnative fish and wildlife species and 1180 nonnative plant species are documented in Florida. At least 196 nonnative bird species have been released in Florida, 12 of which are considered “established” or “naturalized” with breeding (self-sustaining) populations in the wild.

Why are nonnatives not counted toward the Wings Over Florida program?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wishes to discourage the introduction of nonnative wildlife species into the state. Some nonnative species can outcompete and harm native wildlife species. These “invasive” species are often considered pests, taking up precious food and nesting resources.

Why are nonnatives in Florida's Checklist of Birds?

Good question! Some birders wish to keep personal lists of all the species, natives and nonnatives, which they have seen in the state. In addition, the American Birding Association includes nonnative species with established populations on its official checklist of North American Birds.

What's the difference between nonnative and naturalized nonnative birds?

“Naturalized” nonnative bird species are those not originally native to Florida (introduced by human activity) which have established wild, self-sustaining populations. Fortunately, most nonnative species introduced into Florida will not become established. Currently, 12 nonnative species of birds in Florida are considered established or naturalized, with documented breeding populations of 10 years or longer.

Established Nonnative Birds in Florida

·     Muscovy Duck
·   Rock Dove
·     Eurasian Collared-Dove
·     Budgerigar
·     Monk Parakeet
·     White-winged Parakeet
·     Black-hooded Parakeet
·     Spot-breasted Oriole
·   Red-whiskered Bulbul
·     European Starling
·     House Sparrow
·     House Finch *

* Note: House finches are native to the western United States, but were transported and released into the northeastern United States in the 1940s. Since that time, they have spread rapidly throughout the east, particularly in urban and suburban areas. In Florida, it is considered a nonnative species by the Florida Ornithological Society.