We compared patterns of nesting behavior of four pairs of Puerto Rican
Parrots (Amazona vittata) that experienced failed nesting attempts to
behavior of four pairs of parrots that experienced no substantial nes
t problems and successfully fledged young without management intervent
ion. Only changes in female parrots' behavior were clearly associated
with nest failure. During incubation, decreases in nest attendance, in
creases in duration of recesses, and increases in frequency of nest en
tries by female parrots were associated with imminent abandonment of n
ests. During early chick rearing, similar behavior was associated with
the loss of broods. Low nest attendance and long recesses by female p
arrots during incubation were also associated with successful hatching
of eggs followed by death of young several days later. The behavior p
atterns and changes in Puerto Rican Parrot nesting behavior described
in this paper may alert biologists to nest problems that might be miti
gated by management intervention.