Feral Parrots Thrive in LA, Defy Conservation Odds

In the bustling streets of Los Angeles, a surprising sight has taken hold over the past decades - thousands of feral parrots soaring through the skies. These vibrant green birds, primarily red-crowned parrots, were originally imported from Mexico and South America as pets in the 1970s. However, many escaped or were released, and have since adapted remarkably well to the urban environment.

Researchers have discovered that these feral parrots are not only thriving, but are even evolving new hybrid species by interbreeding. The parrots' ability to adapt to conditions far outside their native range, from temperature to vegetation, has allowed them to establish a robust population, estimated to number over 3,000 just for the red-crowned variety alone.

Surprisingly, this urban parrot population could now play a role in conserving their endangered cousins back in Latin America. With habitat loss and illegal trapping threatening parrot species in Mexico, scientists see potential in repopulating parts of the country with the thriving LA birds. The parrot population in Mexico is believed to be smaller than the one in Los Angeles, making the city's feral parrots a potential lifeline.