Parrot population thriving in cities in California, Texas

[Judi Lynn]

Parrot population thriving in cities in California, Texas

April 2, 2016
|Updated 7:20 p.m.


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In this Wednesday, March 30, 2016 photo, parrots interact at SoCal Parrot, a parrot-rescue center, in Jamul. U.S. researchers are launching studies on Mexico's red-crowned parrot – a species that has been adapting so well to living in cities in California and Texas after escaping from the pet trade that the population may now rival that in its native country.
GREGORY BULL, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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By JULIE WATSON / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

crowned parrot – a species that has been adapting so well to living in cities in California and Texas after escaping from the pet trade that the population now may rival that in its native country.

The research comes amid debate over whether some of the birds flew across the border into Texas and should be listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Parrots in U.S. urban areas are just starting to draw attention from scientists because of their intelligence, resourcefulness and ability to adapt.

There is also a growing realization that the city dwellers may offer a population that could help save certain species from extinction.

Parrots are thriving today in cities from Los Angeles to Brownsville, Texas, yet in the tropics and subtropics, a third of all parrot species are at risk of going extinct because of habitat loss and the pet trade.

More:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/birds-710638-texas-parrot.html

[Politicalboi]

1. It should be against the law to cage a bird

I know this is about wild free birds, but still, it's cruel. I haven't seen any flying in my neighborhood.

[SusanCalvin]

2. As the owner (parent) of a bird I believe to be happy,

I nevertheless agree.

[Lodestar]

6. Agreed, though I understand why people enjoy them as pets.

However, I think MANY parrot pet owners also end up having to
give their birds up to a rescue organizations for a variety of reasons.
They are smart and complex creatures and probably not well suited
to live in a home on a perch or in a cage.

[NickB79]

3. Filling the niche left by the Carolina Parakeet?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_parakeet

[Ghost Dog]

4. Barcelona (Catalonia)’s parrots

... Today, the parrots of Barcelona happily rule the roost over the city. Barcelona is pleasantly warm for them, there’s few bigger birds around to eat them and they’re able to survive on a diet of everything from grass and bark to bread and biscuits. They’re happily accepted (and often fed) by the local population, although the local town council has had to remove some of their dangerously large nests, which can reach up to a massive 100 kg...

/... http://www.justbarcelona.net/a-birds-eye-view-the-parrots-of-barcelona/900/

[Lodestar]

5. I'm wondering if climate change is also a factor.

I don't know what natural climate tolerances these birds experience in their
home of origin, but perhaps the climate has changed enough for Texas/Calif and other
southern states to make them adaptable for these birds.
I would have assumed they were exposed to a wetter climate in their homelands whereas
Texas and California are surely drier. But I may be wrong.

[XemaSab]

7. My strong guess

is that it's about people planting fruit trees.

Food would be a limiting factor for range expansion moreso than temperature.