San Diego is home to a vibrant and diverse population of wild parrots. While parrots are not native to California or the United States, several species have established thriving feral populations in and around San Diego over the past few decades. For birdwatchers and nature lovers visiting San Diego, seeing these beautiful and vocal birds in their naturalized habitats can be an unforgettable experience. This article provides information on the best places in San Diego to spot different parrot species, when they are most active, and tips for responsible parrot viewing.
What species of parrots live in San Diego?
There are five main species of parrots that have become naturalized in and around San Diego:
- Red-crowned Amazon
- Lilac-crowned Amazon
- Red-lored Amazon
- Yellow-headed Amazon
- Green-cheeked Parakeet
The Red-crowned Amazon is the most abundant and widespread. But all five can be spotted at many locations across San Diego if you know where to look. The naturalized parrots are descended from pet birds that escaped or were released over the years. They have adapted remarkably well to the Southern California climate and urban environment.
Red-crowned Amazon
With their bright red crowns, green bodies, and bold white eye rings, Red-crowned Amazons are the most recognizable parrots in San Diego. Their loud, squawking calls are a regular feature of mornings and evenings in many neighborhoods.
Lilac-crowned Amazon
The Lilac-crowned Amazon is aptly named for the delicate lavender feathers on its crown. It has a mostly green body like the Red-crowned, but with more yellow and blue accents on the wings.
Red-lored Amazon
Distinguished by their bright red patches above the beak, Red-lored Amazons are more commonly found in central San Diego. They have green wings, back and tail, with blue highlights on the crown.
Yellow-headed Amazon
Yellow-headed Amazons can be identified by their bright yellow crowns and throats. They have green feathers on the back and wings. Their calls are louder and harsher than other Amazons.
Green-cheeked Parakeet
The Green-cheeked Parakeet is smaller than the Amazon parrots with a mostly green body, pale beak, and distinctive yellow face patch with blue lines. They usually travel in noisy flocks.
Where to see wild parrots in San Diego
Here are some of the top spots in San Diego to observe naturalized parrot flocks:
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a top destination to see Amazons and parakeets. The park’s mature trees provide plenty of food sources and roosting spots. Parrots congregate in the greatest numbers early morning and late afternoon. The most popular areas are around the Botanical Building, Japanese Friendship Garden, and Rose Garden.
San Diego Zoo
Parrots frequently visit the lush grounds of the San Diego Zoo to feed. The best viewing areas inside the zoo are near the Amazon Aviary and in Monkey Trails where you can spot parrots flying overhead. Parrots also forage in trees bordering the parking lot.
La Jolla
The villages of La Jolla offer beautiful coastal views and great parrot watching. Amazons gather in eucalyptus groves around Scripps Park and La Jolla Cove. Parakeets also visit backyards and trees along Prospect Street.
Point Loma
Coastal Point Loma has an established Red-crowned Amazon population. Parrots nest in the palms around the Nazarene University campus and can often be heard along Sunset Cliffs.
Tecolote Canyon
This oasis of greenery in central San Diego attracts parrot flocks to its eucalyptus and pine trees. It’s a good spot for uncommon species like Lilac-crowns and Yellow-headed Amazons.
Mission Bay
Red-crowned Amazons visit palms and other trees around Fiesta Island and the visitor center at Mission Bay. Parrots are most active at sunset when they gather to roost for the night.
San Diego River
The San Diego River is a riparian corridor used by Amazons to move between inland and coastal areas. Parrots feed in trees along the river near Grantville, Mission Valley, Old Town, and Ocean Beach.
Neighborhoods
Many residential neighborhoods also host parrot flocks that frequent backyard feeders or roost in large trees. Some of the best include Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Normal Heights, City Heights, North Park, South Park, and Paradise Hills.
Best times to see wild parrots
San Diego’s parrots have distinct daily rhythms. Here are the optimal times to spot them:
- Early morning – Parrots leave their roosts at dawn and become active. Loud cries can be heard as they forage for food.
- Late morning – Parrot activity decreases but they may still visit feeding areas.
- Mid-day – Parrots rest and preen during the hottest hours. Harder to spot.
- Late afternoon – Foraging and socializing increases heading into the evening.
- Sunset – Flocks gather at communal roosts sites for the night.
The most active and vocal periods are early morning and late afternoon into the evening. But parrots can still occasionally be spotted mid-day.
Tips for responsible parrot viewing
When observing San Diego’s wild parrots, please be respectful by following these tips:
- Watch parrots from a distance using binoculars or telephoto lenses. Do not approach too closely or disrupt their normal behavior.
- Keep noise levels low when photographing or viewing parrot activity.
- Do not feed parrots. Feeding encourages dependence and spread of disease.
- Do not disturb or disturb parrot nests or roost sites.
- Be careful not to startle low-flying parrots – they are not as maneuverable as songbirds.
- Never handle or capture wild parrots. It is illegal to touch or collect native birds.
Following these ethical birdwatching practices allows everyone to safely enjoy San Diego’s unique parrots.
Conclusion
San Diego’s thriving population of naturalized Amazon parrots and parakeets is a special wildlife phenomenon. With a little guidance, visitors have an excellent chance of spotting these colorful tropic birds as they fly and forage across the city. The best viewing locations include Balboa Park, Point Loma, Mission Bay, and the San Diego Zoo. For memorable sightings, head out in the early morning or late afternoon when parrot activity peaks. And be sure to observe the parrots responsibly while photographing or simply enjoying their beauty and antics. The flocks of wild parrots are a fun and fascinating aspect of San Diego’s diverse natural landscape waiting to be discovered.