Myiopsitta Monachus Research Articles

Metagenomic Detection of Multiple Viruses in Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in Australia.

Birds are known to harbour many pathogens, including circovirus, herpesviruses, adenoviruses and Chlamydia psittaci. Some of these pose zoonotic risks, while others, such as beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), have a significant impact on the conservation of endangered bird species. This study was aimed to determine the faecal virome of a group of apparently healthy Monk parakeet using high-throughput sequencing. Fresh faecal samples were collected from four Monk parakeets at a pet shop in Melbourne, Australia. Virus enrichment and nucleic acid extraction were performed on the faecal samples, followed by high-throughput sequencing at the Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF). Utilising an established pipeline for high-throughput sequencing data analysis, this study revealed the presence of three viruses of the families Circoviridae, Parvoviridae and Adenoviridae. Subsequent sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses further confirmed that the detected viruses belong to the genera Chaphamaparvovirus (unassigned species), Circovirus (species Circovirus parrot) and Siadenovirus (species Siadenovirus viridis). Despite non-pathogenicity, the existence of multiple viruses within a bird species underscores the risk of these viruses spreading into the pet trade. Detection and a better understanding of avian viruses are crucial for the establishment of appropriate management and biosecurity measures in the domestic and international bird trade, which ultimately supports the conservation of vulnerable bird species.

Socioeconomic Status and Local Biodiversity as Predictors of Attitudes towards Nature among High School Students in a Latin American Metropolis.

Urbanization and biodiversity loss disconnect humans from nature and may limit pro-environmental actions. Although, a growing body of knowledge exists on people's attitudes towards nature, the majority focuses on the influence of socio-environmental factors. Significant variations in socioeconomic and educational levels in urban areas affect access to biodiversity. In this study, we aim to identify the socio-environmental variables that are associated with people's attitudes towards nature (student's knowledge about urban birds and their participation in conservation actions). We collected data on local biodiversity, socioeconomical status, and high school students' attitudes towards nature (15 schools, n = 175 students) in a large Latin American capital city. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to identify relationships among all variables. Socioeconomic characterization was assessed using levels of socio-materiality and school performance scores. Definitions of ecological complexity were based on bird species richness and vegetation density. Knowledge of urban birds was evaluated using two indicators: urban bird identification (recognition of names) and identification of the biogeographic origin of urban birds (native or exotic). Participation in conservation actions by students was assessed based on implementation scale and implementation frequency. According to our results, respondents' knowledge of birds was poor: 42% of students identified only two species (the domestic pigeon and the monk parakeet, both exotic). Only 26% of total students participated in conservation actions. SEM analysis revealed that socioeconomic status was positively associated with the ecological complexity of surrounding areas. In turn, ecological complexity showed a positive relationship with students' knowledge on urban birds. Finally, students' knowledge of urban birds showed a positive influence on conservation actions. Our findings suggest that, the improvement of students' knowledge about local biodiversity and ensuring equitable access to biodiversity could be an effective way to foster students' involvement in conservation actions, especially in neighborhoods of lower socioeconomic levels.

China’s International Trade of Parrots from 1981 to 2022 Based on the CITES Trade Database

Parrots are popular with pet consumers and are one of the most traded groups of live birds around the world. China has been considered as an important country in bird trades, but we know little about China’s import and export of parrots. Using the latest data available from the CITES Trade Database, we analyzed China’s import and export of CITES-listed live parrots from 1981–2022 to better understand the patterns and dynamics of these trades. China imported 155,339 parrots of 173 species and exported 608,987 parrots of 42 species during the study period with an annual average of about 18,500 individuals, accounting for c. 5% of the global average number. The most imported parrots to China were Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) and Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), while the most exported ones were Fisher’s Lovebirds (Agapornis fischeri), Rosy-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), and Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus). Since the early 21st century, China’s imports of parrots gradually increased, but exports decreased more pronouncedly, making China’s international parrot trade volume declining in the past 20 years. China’s international parrot trade routes also changed over time, with the destination of parrot exports shifting from Europe to Africa and the Arabian region, while more parrots being gradually imported from countries in South America and Africa. The vast majority of parrots exported from China were captive-bred non-native species like Fisher’s Lovebirds, while a substantial proportion of imported parrots were wild-sourced and the proportion has been increasing in the last decade. The fact that China exported much more parrots than imported suggests existence of large-scale parrot farming and domestic parrot trade in China. Attention needs to be paid to monitoring China’s import of increasing proportion of wild-sourced parrots from South America countries and its potential impacts on their wild populations. Close monitoring of and more studies on domestic and illegal parrot trade are essential to fully understand the role China plays in the international trade of parrots.

Where Are We Going Now? The Current and Future Distributions of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) and Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in a Megalopolis

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) and the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) are two of the most prevalent invasive species globally due to their high dispersal ability. Since these birds were first recorded (1999 for the monk parakeet and 2013 for Eurasian collared dove) in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA), both species have spread rapidly throughout the area. However, the impacts of global climate changes on the distribution patterns of these species remain poorly studied across the MCMA. Therefore, based on an ecological niche modeling approach, we assessed the expansion and potential invasion of both species in this megalopolis using current and future climate projections (year 2050). Our results estimated that the current suitable areas are 5564 km2 for the monk parakeet and 5489 km2 for the Eurasian collared dove, covering ~70% of the study area, suggesting a rapidly invading species, as expected. We observed a slight decrease (up to 24%) in both species in future climate scenarios, but our models estimated that the sizes of the suitable areas would remain stable. We found that the range expansion of these species in the megalopolis may be largely attributed to their propensity for jump dispersion and short-time niche expansion ability. Our findings allow for a better understanding of the factors contributing to the range expansion of the monk parakeet and the Eurasian collared dove in Mexico and can better inform the monitoring guidelines for and assessments of these invasive species.

DNA Prevalence of Eukaryotic Parasites with Zoonotic Potential in Urban-Associated Birds

Synanthropic birds might play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic endoparasites; however, little information is available on many parasites and their prevalence. Here, we use an approach based on targeted metagenomic detection through the use of DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples to screen for circulating parasites in alien parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus and Psittacula krameri) and urban landfill-feeding storks (Ciconia ciconia) and gulls (Larus fuscus). We focus especially on potentially zoonotic parasites, with the aim of better understanding the zoonotic risk that these birds’ faeces may pose. We detected a total of 23 genera of eukaryotic parasites: six fungi, three protists, five nematodes, two cestodes and seven trematodes. Among them, six stood out for their relevance to human health: Cryptococcus spp., Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. (fungi); Cryptosporidium spp. (a protist); and Ascaris spp. and Halicephalobus spp. (nematodes). In parakeets, we detected Cryptococcus spp. and Ascaris spp., the latter being detected in 10–20% of the samples. In the White Stork and the Lesser Black-backed Gull, we found a high prevalence of Aspergillus spp. (in 15% and 50% of the samples, respectively) and Candida spp. (in 63% and 82% of the samples, respectively), and the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 10% of the samples. We detected Halicephalobus spp. in one gull sample (2%). Our results show that synanthropic birds may act as vectors and reservoirs of zoonotic parasites and their faeces could pose a risk to human health associated with the zoonotic parasites present in them. This should be taken into account when developing management plans for urban populations of these bird species.

Reference Interval Creation for Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) in Healthy Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis) and Quaker Parrots (Myiopsitta monachus).

Renal disease is often identified as a cause of morbidity and mortality in avian patients. However, currently, early antemortem detection of renal disease in avian patients is difficult. Anatomical and physiological differences between mammals and birds mean the use of commonly employed diagnostic testing (ie, measurement of blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and serum creatinine, urinalysis, and ultrasonography) are either nondiagnostic or difficult to achieve. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) is considered a more sensitive marker for renal disease in humans, dogs, and cats. However, SDMA has not yet been assessed for diagnostic use in any psittacine species. In this study, we establish reference ranges for SDMA in both Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis, HAP) and Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus, QP). Blood was collected from 23 Amazon parrots and 32 Quaker parrots maintained in research facilities. Measurement of SDMA through a commercially available immunoassay (IA-SDMA) as well as creatinine, BUN, uric acid, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, and chloride were determined through IDEXX Laboratories. Plasma SDMA concentrations ranged from 6 to 15 µg/dL and 3 to 15 µg/dL for the HAP and QP, respectively. Sex was a confounding factor for the QP population, but sex did not have a significant effect on SDMA for the HAP population. No significant correlations were identified between SDMA concentrations and other parameters in either psittacine species. Our results show proof of concept for the IA-SDMA and provide reference intervals for SDMA in HAP and QP. Further investigation is required to determine the validity of this assay and the predictive power of SDMA in the detection of renal impairment for parrots and other common companion birds.

Returning to the Wilderness: Potential Habitat Suitability of Non-Native Pet Birds in South Africa.

The global trade of non-native pet birds has increased in recent decades, and this has accelerated the introduction of invasive birds in the wild. This study employed ensemble species distribution modelling (eSDM) to assess potential habitat suitability and environmental predictor variables influencing the potential distribution of non-native pet bird species reported lost and sighted in South Africa. We used data and information on lost and found pet birds from previous studies to establish and describe scenarios of how pet birds may transition from captivity to the wild. Our study revealed that models fitted and performed well in predicting the suitability for African grey (Psittacus erithacus), Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), Green-cheeked conure (Pyrrhura molinae), Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), and Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), with the mean weighted AUC and TSS values greater than 0.765. The predicted habitat suitability differed among species, with the suitability threshold indicating that between 61% and 87% of areas were predicted as suitable. Species with greater suitability included the African grey, Cockatiel, and Rose-ringed parakeet, which demonstrated significant overlap between their habitat suitability and reported lost cases. Human footprint, bioclimatic variables, and vegetation indices largely influenced predictive habitat suitability. The pathway scenario showed the key mechanisms driving the transition of pet birds from captivity to the wild, including the role of pet owners, animal rescues, adoption practices, and environmental suitability. Our study found that urban landscapes, which are heavily populated, are at high risk of potential invasion by pet birds. Thus, implementing a thorough surveillance survey is crucial for monitoring and evaluating the establishment potential of pet species not yet reported in the wild.

Rewinding the invasion history of monk parakeets in Barcelona city: 1976-2022

Rewinding the invasion history of monk parakeets in Barcelona city: 1976-2022

Geographic distribution prediction of an invading species in Mexico: the case of the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)

Objective: To determine the potential distribution of the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: The study generated the model with confirmed presences of the species, the MaxEnt algorithm, and bioclimatic and elevation information. The evaluation, calibration and selection were carried out with the kuenm package in R. The model generated was projected to the geographic space of Mexico. Results: The model estimated the most favorable areas for the species in Mexico, based on the similarity of the climate and elevation conditions of the sites with its natural distribution. The most favorable sites for the species are distributed in the central–southern regions of the country. Variables influencing its distribution are derived from temperature, precipitation and elevation. Limitations on study/implications: The model can contribute to the planning of management and monitoring strategies that mitigate the invasion of this species. Findings/conclusions: The areas in Mexico where there is a high risk of invasion by the monk parakeet were identified.

Avian Polyomavirus Among Psittacine Birds in Iran: Molecular Detection Rate and Associated Risk Factors.

Avian polyomavirus (APV) infection causes various health problems in psittacine species, including death. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of APV among psittacine birds in Iran. We also aimed to evaluate the impact of age, sex, species, season, and origin of the birds on the prevalence of APV. This study investigated the presence of APV among 1050 individual birds from 7 psittacine species over a 1-year period in Iran, namely, green-cheeked parakeets (Pyrrhura molinae), rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), sun conures (Aratinga solstitialis), Senegal parrots (Poicephalus senegalus), cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), and grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). The overall prevalence of APV in all studied species was 25% (263/1050, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.5-27.8). Results of the study showed that age and the season of the year were 2 important determinant factors in the prevalence of APV in psittacine birds. Young psittacine birds <6 months old were 2.94 (95% CI: 1.19-7.27) times more likely to be infected with APV than birds >1 year old, and there was a significant interaction between season and species in the multivariate analysis. In the winter season, rosy-faced lovebirds and green-cheeked parakeets were 15.6 (95% CI: 4.20-57.95) and 4.76 (95% CI: 1.4-16.21) times more likely to be infected with APV than in other seasons, respectively. This is the first report on the detection rate of APV in psittacine birds in Iran.

Avian Polyomavirus Among Psittacine Birds in Iran: Molecular Detection Rate and Associated Risk Factors.

Avian polyomavirus (APV) infection causes various health problems in psittacine species, including death. The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of APV among psittacine birds in Iran. We also aimed to evaluate the impact of age, sex, species, season, and origin of the birds on the prevalence of APV. This study investigated the presence of APV among 1050 individual birds from 7 psittacine species over a 1-year period in Iran, namely, green-cheeked parakeets (Pyrrhura molinae), rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), sun conures (Aratinga solstitialis), Senegal parrots (Poicephalus senegalus), cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), and grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus). The overall prevalence of APV in all studied species was 25% (263/1050, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.5-27.8). Results of the study showed that age and the season of the year were 2 important determinant factors in the prevalence of APV in psittacine birds. Young psittacine birds <6 months old were 2.94 (95% CI: 1.19-7.27) times more likely to be infected with APV than birds >1 year old, and there was a significant interaction between season and species in the multivariate analysis. In the winter season, rosy-faced lovebirds and green-cheeked parakeets were 15.6 (95% CI: 4.20-57.95) and 4.76 (95% CI: 1.4-16.21) times more likely to be infected with APV than in other seasons, respectively. This is the first report on the detection rate of APV in psittacine birds in Iran.

Social associations are predicted by nest proximity but not kinship in a free-living social parrot

Abstract Social associations among conspecifics are typically non-random, often being a function of relatedness, familiarity, or spatial distributions. The aim of this study was to combine field observations with molecular genetic techniques and social network analysis to investigate the predictors of social associations in free-living monk parakeets, Myiopsitta monachus. Monk parakeets are non-territorial parrots whose nests are often aggregated, with relatives clustered in kin neighbourhoods and within cooperatively breeding groups. First, we characterized social associations when away from the nest, showing that individuals typically had a few strong social ties. Second, we investigated whether these social associations were related to nest proximity or genetic relatedness. The strength of association decreased with increasing inter-nest distance, but there was negligible influence of relatedness on the strength of associations. These patterns did not differ between same-sex and opposite-sex dyads. Finally, we investigated whether members of breeding pairs were close social associates, finding that in most cases the closest associate of an individual was their mate, although social bonds also existed outside of the pair; members of breeding groups also associated closely when foraging. Social associations are poorly known in parrots owing to methodological challenges, hence our results add to the limited knowledge of sociality in this taxon.

Cooperation and conflict in the building and maintenance of the compound nests of monk parakeets &lt;i&gt;Myiopsitta monachus&lt;/i&gt;

Colonial birds often breed at high density, generating conflict among neighbours over the use of nest-building materials. However, in a few colonial species, breeders appear to cooperate in the construction of compound nests that contain multiple breeding chambers within a single nest structure. The relative contributions of individual birds and the balance between cooperation and conflict among close neighbours in such species have rarely been examined. In this study, we investigated evidence for cooperation and conflict in the building and maintenance of the nests of monk parakeets &lt;i&gt;Myiopsitta monachus&lt;/i&gt; in an invasive population in which compound nests are frequent. First, we found that males invested more in nest construction than females and when more than one male occupied the same breeding chamber multiple males contributed to the same nest. Females, by contrast, invested more in nest defence than males. Second, we found that there was conflict among pairs over nest material, with kleptoparasitism of nesting material and defence against conspecifics evident. We conclude that nest-building in monk parakeets involves both cooperation and conflict. Breeders often tolerate the budding of nests, which are often built by relatives, but that pairs are also in conflict over the use of nest material.

An Influx of Non-Native Bird Species into the Natural Environment Owing to the Accidental Release of Pet Birds in Japan.

The escape of pet birds into the wild raises concerns about the introduction of invasive avian species. This study investigated the impact of escaped pet birds on the introduction of non-native species in Japan. Data sourced from four lost-and-found pet websites between January 2018 and December 2021 revealed 12,125 recorded escapes exhibiting both daily occurrences and seasonal fluctuations. Statistical modeling identified the monthly average temperature (positively correlated) and maximum electricity demand (negatively correlated) as influential factors. Text analysis revealed "window" and "open" as frequently cited reasons for escapes. Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) accounted for 76% of the total escape, suggesting a low perceived risk of establishment in nonnative environments. Interestingly, two globally established invasive species, the Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), were among the escaped birds. While the Rose-ringed Parakeet is locally naturalized in Tokyo and its adjacent prefectures, the Monk Parakeet failed to establish itself in Japan. Despite the limited number of escaped Monk Parakeets, ongoing efforts are crucial for preventing the potential re-establishment of species with such capabilities.

Students’ perceptions of the presence of feral exotic pets and influencing factors

ABSTRACT Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the main drivers of global biodiversity loss. The present study aims at performing a diagnostic analysis of the perceptions of Primary and Secondary school students about causes, consequences and solutions of the presence of IAS in the environment. The influence of educational level, knowledge of the meaning of IAS and familiarity with exotic pets on students’ perceptions is analysed. The instrument for data sampling consisted of a questionnaire, contextualised in the case of the presence of monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in their town. Results show differences in students’ perceptions among educational levels. Primary students predominantly present a social view of the issue, while Secondary students highlight ecological impacts. Reticence to monk parakeet removal from the environment is widespread. Familiarity with exotic pets hinders the recognition of human responsibility in causing the problem, the option for preventive solutions and the personal contribution to the solution. Knowledge of the meaning of IAS improves the recognition of causes and impacts, and also increases the preference for preventive solutions. Surprisingly, this factor does not change the willingness to personally contribute to solving the problem. Educational implications related to the teaching of IAS issues are discussed.

Multilevel Bayesian analysis of monk parakeet contact calls shows dialects between European cities.

Geographic differences in vocalizations provide strong evidence for animal culture, with patterns likely arising from generations of social learning and transmission. Most studies on the evolution of avian vocal variation have predominantly focused on fixed repertoire, territorial song in passerine birds. The study of vocal communication in open-ended learners and in contexts where vocalizations serve other functions is therefore necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of vocal dialect evolution. Parrots are open-ended vocal production learners that use vocalizations for social contact and coordination. Geographic variation in parrot vocalizations typically take the form of either distinct regional variations known as dialects or graded variation based on geographic distance known as clinal variation. In this study, we recorded monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) across multiple spatial scales (i.e., parks and cities) in their European invasive range. We then compared calls using a multilevel Bayesian model and sensitivity analysis, with this novel approach allowing us to explicitly compare vocalizations at multiple spatial scales. We found support for founder effects and/or cultural drift at the city level, consistent with passive cultural processes leading to large-scale dialect differences. We did not find a strong signal for dialect or clinal differences between parks within cities, suggesting that birds did not actively converge on a group level signal, as expected under the group membership hypothesis. We demonstrate the robustness of our findings and offer an explanation that unifies the results of prior monk parakeet vocalization studies.

Fluctuation of the prevalence of beak and feather disease virus in captive psittacines in Iran.

Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is one of the most life-threatening viral agents infecting parrot species. In this study, we investigated fluctuation in the prevalence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) in captive psittacines in Iran. Two series of feather samples from different psittacine species, received between July 2019 and July 2021 (n = 1009) and between July 2021 and July 2022 (n = 2020), were examined for the presence of BFDV using the PCR method, and the host species distribution and temporal prevalence of BFDV within populations were calculated. The results showed a total viral prevalence of 26.86% and 26.88% within sample series 1 and 2, respectively. By examining both sample series, the prevalence of BFDV was found to be thehighest (P < 0.05) in Nymphicus hollandicus and thelowest (P < 0.05) in Psittacus erithacus, Myiopsitta monachus, Pyrrhura molinae, and Aratinga solstitialis. The viral prevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.05)within the series 1than theseries 2 samples only in Nymphicus hollandicus. Within series 2, the viral prevalence was significant (P < 0.05) in samples from Nymphicus hollandicus collected in March. This study indicates significant prevalence of BFDV in captive Nymphicus hollandicus populations and suggests that the fluctuation in the prevalence of BFDV could be due to the combined influence of host-species and temporal factors.

Evidence for vocal signatures and voice-prints in a wild parrot.

In humans, identity is partly encoded in a voice-print that is carried across multiple vocalizations. Other species also signal vocal identity in calls, such as shown in the contact call of parrots. However, it remains unclear to what extent other call types in parrots are individually distinct, and whether there is an analogous voice-print across calls. Here we test if an individual signature is present in other call types, how stable this signature is, and if parrots exhibit voice-prints across call types. We recorded 5599 vocalizations from 229 individually marked monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) over a 2-year period in Barcelona, Spain. We examined five distinct call types, finding evidence for an individual signature in three. We further show that in the contact call, while birds are individually distinct, the calls are more variable than previously assumed, changing over short time scales (seconds to minutes). Finally, we provide evidence for voice-prints across multiple call types, with a discriminant function being able to predict caller identity across call types. This suggests that monk parakeets may be able to use vocal cues to recognize conspecifics, even across vocalization types and without necessarily needing active vocal signatures of identity.

Infectious agents present in monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) and rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) invasive species in the parks of Madrid and Seville, Spain.

The introduction of invasive species into an ecosystem could result in biodiversity loss and the spread of infectious agents that could cause re-emergent or emergent zoonotic diseases. Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) are considered widespread invasive exotic species in urban habitats from the Iberian Peninsula. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of relevant infectious agents in wild parakeets captured in urban parks in Madrid and Seville (Spain). A total of 81 cloacal samples were collected and analysed using molecular techniques. The prevalence of infectious agents varied between parakeet species: 9.5% of monk parakeets and 15% of rose-ringed parakeets were positive for enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), 13.3% of rose-ringed parakeets for avian influenza virus (AIV), 3.3% of rose-ringed parakeets for Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and a 23.8% of monk parakeets for Chlamydia psittaci. All C. psittaci-identified isolates were classified as B, E, or E/B genotypes, indicating transmission from wild urban pigeons to parakeets. These results highlight the need for monitoring parakeet populations due to the implications for human and animal health.

Individual identity information persists in learned calls of introduced parrot populations.

Animals can actively encode different types of identity information in learned communication signals, such as group membership or individual identity. The social environments in which animals interact may favor different types of information, but whether identity information conveyed in learned signals is robust or responsive to social disruption over short evolutionary timescales is not well understood. We inferred the type of identity information that was most salient in vocal signals by combining computational tools, including supervised machine learning, with a conceptual framework of "hierarchical mapping", or patterns of relative acoustic convergence across social scales. We used populations of a vocal learning species as a natural experiment to test whether the type of identity information emphasized in learned vocalizations changed in populations that experienced the social disruption of introduction into new parts of the world. We compared the social scales with the most salient identity information among native and introduced range monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) calls recorded in Uruguay and the United States, respectively. We also evaluated whether the identity information emphasized in introduced range calls changed over time. To place our findings in an evolutionary context, we compared our results with another parrot species that exhibits well-established and distinctive regional vocal dialects that are consistent with signaling group identity. We found that both native and introduced range monk parakeet calls displayed the strongest convergence at the individual scale and minimal convergence within sites. We did not identify changes in the strength of acoustic convergence within sites over time in the introduced range calls. These results indicate that the individual identity information in learned vocalizations did not change over short evolutionary timescales in populations that experienced the social disruption of introduction. Our findings point to exciting new research directions about the robustness or responsiveness of communication systems over different evolutionary timescales.