Carolina Parakeet: America’s Lost Parrot
North America’s only native parrot species vanished forever in 1918. The Carolina Parakeet sported vibrant green plumage with a yellow head and orange face. Farmers killed them as agricultural pests. Their feathers adorned ladies’ hats. The birds had a fatal flaw—they would circle back to their fallen flock members, making them easy targets for hunters. The last one died alone in captivity.