Parrot invasion drives Argentinian town to the brink
The coastal town of Hilario Ascasubi in Argentina is facing an invasion of thousands of parrots, which are fleeing from deforested hills. In peak periods, there are as many as 10 birds per resident, Reuters reported on Monday.
"The hills are becoming more and more deforested, and that makes the parrots fly towards the towns to find food, shelter, and water," said biologist Daiana Lera.
Parrots have been coming to the town for a few years, seeking shelter in the fall and winter. In the summer, during the breeding season, the birds migrate south to Patagonia.
Screeching and leaving droppings
As Reuters writes, the birds drive residents crazy, screeching and leaving their droppings everywhere.
Parrots eagerly gather on roofs and electric cables. "The birds gnaw on the cables, so water can get into them, which can cause power outages. These parrots cause us a lot of trouble and generate new costs every day," said local journalist Ramon Alvarez.
Residents have tried many methods, such as using noise or lasers, to scare the birds away, but nothing has worked.
The species that is causing such trouble for Argentinians is the Patagonian conure (Cyanoliseus patagonus). Naturally, it inhabits— in addition to Argentina—central Chile, and Uruguay. The body length of this bird is 18-19 inches. It weighs up to 1 pound. It can live up to 20 years.
Patagonian conures are frequently kept in captivity due to their attractive plumage. Their lower body parts are reddish-maroon, the edges are yellow, and the tail feathers, called rectrices, are blue-green.
Source: PAP, Exotic Birds
