A Tropical Myster: The Wild Parrots of Los Angeles
Los Angeles County is home to an unexpected and delightful spectacle—wild parrots soaring through the skies and filling the neighborhoods with their loud, squawking chatter. In Temple City, just east of Pasadena, hundreds of these colorful birds gather every evening, turning trees, power lines, and rooftops into makeshift roosts. Their noisy presence has become a unique part of the urban landscape, sparking curiosity and wonder among residents. But beyond their charm, these birds hold an incredible secret—they might actually help save their endangered relatives in Mexico.
No one knows for sure how these parrots ended up here, but theories range from escaped pets to birds released during past fires, riots, or the closure of Busch Gardens Van Nuys. What is clear is that they didn’t fly here on their own—the pet trade brought them, and over time, they established thriving wild populations. While most non-native species are considered invasive, these parrots haven’t pushed out any local birds. Instead, they’ve carved out their own niche, bringing a bit of tropical flair to the city and forming tight-knit, protective flocks that help them evade predators like hawks and falcons.
The most common parrot in Los Angeles is the red-crowned parrot, a species native to northeastern Mexico. Tragically, these birds have lost about 95% of their wild population due to habitat destruction and illegal trapping for the pet trade. In an ironic twist, the very industry that led to their decline may have also created a potential lifeline—the red-crowned parrots of L.A. might now outnumber those left in Mexico. Scientists are studying their DNA to see if these city parrots could serve as a “rescue population” to help restore their species in the wild. If they turn out to be purebred descendants, they could play a crucial role in conservation efforts.
However, the L.A. parrots aren’t entirely safe from harm. Despite their growing numbers, they still face threats from illegal poaching. But conservationists remain hopeful that these unlikely urban survivors could one day be reintroduced to their native lands, turning what was once an accidental population into a vital resource for saving an endangered species.