The presence of wild parrots in Long Beach, California has intrigued residents and visitors for decades. While there are several theories about the origin of these brightly colored birds, their proliferation points to a combination of factors that have enabled them to flourish in the Southern California urban landscape.
Theories on the Origin of Long Beach Parrots
There are two main theories about how parrots originally arrived in Long Beach:
Pet Trade Theory
The most well-known theory is that the parrots are descended from pet birds that escaped or were released. In the 1970s and 1980s, parrots were popular pets in Southern California. However, some owners may have underestimated the lifespan of parrots and released them into the wild once they could no longer care for them properly. Even a few escaped pet birds could have formed the basis of a breeding population.
Importation Theory
Another theory holds that the parrots were deliberately released in Long Beach. In the 1960s and 1970s, large shipments of wild-caught parrots were being imported into the United States. Some suggest that importers may have released parrots in Long Beach either accidentally or intentionally when the birds were sick or unsuitable for the pet trade.
Species of Parrots Found in Long Beach
There are six main species of naturalized parrots that inhabit Long Beach:
Green Parakeets
Green or monk parakeets are medium-sized bright green parrots with pale beaks. They are native to South America. These parrots are known for building large twig nests out of branches and other debris. They nest on power lines, light poles, and cell towers throughout Long Beach neighborhoods.
Red-Crowned Amazons
Red-crowned amazons are stocky medium-sized parrots distinguished by their bright red forecrowns. Their native range is in northeastern Mexico. Amazons are highly social and travel in noisy groups. They have adapted well to urban areas in Long Beach.
Yellow-Headed Amazons
Closely related to red-crowns, yellow-headed amazons are slightly larger with bright yellow heads as their name indicates. They are native to Mexico and Central America. Yellow-heads nest in palm trees and have a loud, raucous call.
Yellow Chevroned Parakeets
Native to South America, these slender lime-green parrots have striking yellow and blue markings. They are petite and build covered nests. Yellow chevroneds are some of the most abundant parrots in Long Beach neighborhoods.
Blue-Crowned Parakeets
Elegant blue-crowned parakeets are olive green with pale beaks and a bright blue crown. They are native to coastal regions of Ecuador and Peru. Blue crowns are seen in smaller numbers foraging on seeds and fruit.
Mitred Parakeets
Mitred parakeets are slim, bright green parrots with red beaks and distinctive forehead markings that look like “miters.” Native to Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, mitreds are occasionally spotted in Long Beach among other parrot flocks.
Table of Parrot Species in Long Beach
Common Name | Scientific Name | Native Range |
---|---|---|
Green Parakeet | Myiopsitta monachus | South America |
Red-Crowned Amazon | Amazona viridigenalis | Northeastern Mexico |
Yellow-Headed Amazon | Amazona oratrix | Mexico, Central America |
Yellow Chevroned Parakeet | Brotogeris chiriri | South America |
Blue-Crowned Parakeet | Thectocercus acuticaudatus | Ecuador, Peru |
Mitred Parakeet | Psittacara mitratus | Peru, Bolivia, Argentina |
Favorable Conditions in Long Beach for Parrots
The naturalized parrot population has thrived in Long Beach due to a combination of factors:
Year-Round Warm Climate
The sunny Mediterranean climate allows the tropical parrots to live outdoors year-round. Long Beach has warm summers and mild winters with average annual temperatures around 65°F (18°C). This climate is similar to the parrots’ native ranges.
Urban Forest Habitat
Long Beach has an abundance of large trees that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites. Palm trees offer good nesting cavities, while eucalyptus trees supply nectar and seeds. Other trees like pines and magnolias also provide sustenance.
Abundant Food Sources
Backyard fruit trees, flowering trees, bird feeders, and spills from commercial fruit trees supply plenty of food. Flocks forage on seeds, fruits, nuts, berries, flowers, and nectar. Some also eat pet food left outdoors.
Minimal Predators
With few native predators like hawks or snakes, parrot mortality rates are lower in urban Long Beach than in their native habitats. Cats sometimes prey on fledglings that fall from nests.
Adaptability to Human Environments
These parrot species exhibit flexibility in their behavior and diet, allowing them to successfully inhabit areas populated by humans. They nest on man-made structures and take advantage of urban food sources.
Interactions with People
The presence of wild parrots has impacted many Long Beach residents, both positively and negatively:
Visibility and Sounds
Some find the bright tropical birds and sounds of parrots squawking and flocking to be annoying. They damage property and make a lot of noise at dawn and dusk when they leave and return to roosts.
Mess from Droppings
Parrots drop seed hulls and fruit debris while they eat and frequently defecate when perching or flying over. Buildings, cars, and outdoor furniture under roosting or feeding areas become covered in droppings.
Damage to Gardens and Fruit Trees
Large flock descend on gardens and strip fruit trees bare. They dig through suet bird feeders for seeds. Parrots chew up wood trim, window screens, and outdoor furniture when gathering nest materials.
Affection from Bird Lovers
Many Long Beach residents delight in the unique, tropical flair the parrots bring. People enjoy watching their interesting behaviors and interactions. Some even feel like the birds are cherished members of the community.
Tourist Attraction
The parrots are becoming popular attractions for tourists. Guided parrot watching tours take groups to view the birds’ morning departures from and evening arrivals at their roosts which number in the thousands.
Efforts to Control the Parrots
Officials have tried various methods to curtail damage and conflicts caused by the parrots:
Scare Devices
Devices that emit loud sounds or flashing lights are installed where roosts or colonies are unwanted. However, parrots eventually habituate to these deterrents.
Nest Destruction
Officials have removed nests from problematic locations only to have parrots rebuild again. This is labor intensive and largely ineffective.
Roost Dispersal
Heavily feathered areas are pruned to eliminate suitable roosting spots. This causes groups to disperse but only relocate them to other areas.
Birth Control
A few experiments have tried oiling eggs in nests to prevent hatching. But given the large population, this has not made a real dent.
Culling
Some have proposed culling parrots as a control method. But this has been met with strong public opposition by bird lovers and deemed inhumane.
Future Outlook
The parrots have proven to be firmly entrenched in Long Beach’s urban ecosystem. Most experts believe the population will continue to grow and expand their range in Southern California. Going forward, communities will need to find ways to mitigate conflicts while appreciating the unique wildlife the parrots provide.
Continued Population Growth
With plentiful food and habitat and few predators, the parrot population seems likely to keep increasing in size and density.
Range Expansion
As the Long Beach population becomes saturated, parrots will continue to disperse into new urban areas looking for nest sites and food. More cities in LA and Orange Counties will be colonized.
Increased Human Conflicts
A larger population dispersing more widely will inevitably lead to more complaints about noise, mess, and damage. More resources may need to be directed at managing issues.
Greater Public Acceptance
As residents become accustomed to parrots over time, levels of tolerance and appreciation may rise. Communities can promote peaceful coexistence through education.
Tourism Benefits
Birdwatching tourism centered on the parrots offers an opportunity for education and economic benefits. Community festivals celebrating the parrots could foster local pride.
Conclusion
While many questions remain about how parrots originally colonized Long Beach, they have clearly found an ideal home there. Their future in Southern California seems assured by their adaptability and the hospitable urban habitat. With thoughtful management of conflicts, Long Beach’s parrots can be regarded as an innovative wildlife conservation success story and a unique part of the city’s identity.