Where Did the Wild Parrots of San Francisco Come From? - an Unsolved Mystery

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In the heart of urban San Francisco, a vibrant and unexpected community has taken flight – a flock of wild parrots that have made the city their home.

Two distinct breeds, the renowned red-masked parakeets and the lesser-known white-winged and canary-winged parakeets, have carved out territories on Telegraph Hill and in the vicinity of 24th and Dolores Streets, respectively.

Where did the San Francisco's Wild Parrots come from

In 1990, a pair of escaped cherry-headed conures established the iconic parrot flock on Telegraph Hill, quickly adapting to their newfound ecological niche.

The group expanded as other escaped or released conures from San Francisco joined, leading to over 200 wild parrots by 2005 after a few generations. Today, the vibrant parrots are a common sight across San Francisco, and sightings extend as far south as Brisbane.

Rumors

Origin rumors add intrigue to their story. In the mid-1990s, speculation arose that the parrots escaped from Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo. Another theory suggests the flock originated from a single mated pair, either escaping or being released by importers in the late '80s.

Regardless of their mysterious origins, the parrots of Telegraph Hill continue to captivate residents and visitors alike, symbolizing the resilience and adaptability of urban wildlife in San Francisco.

Parrot Stories: From San Francisco to Sunnyvale

A small flock of white-winged and canary-winged parakeets has also found a home around 24th and Dolores Streets, with a range spanning from Noe Valley to Potrero Hill. Additionally, another flock has taken residence in Sunnyvale in the South Bay.

The captivating story of these urban parrots became widely known through the documentary "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill," released in 2003.

The film, complemented by Mark Bittner's book of the same name, delves into the history and issues surrounding the red-masked parakeets in San Francisco. Bittner's website further enriches the narrative, offering insights into the lives and behaviors of these charming birds.

Photo bySafura SyedonUnsplash

San Francisco's Commitment to Telegraph Hill's Parrot Nesting Site

The city, recognizing the significance of Telegraph Hill's two remaining Monterey cypress trees as the primary nesting spot for the flock, approved legislation in 2007 to protect them.

Despite sitting on private property, the city has assumed responsibility for their care, even taking on legal liability for any injury or damage they might cause.

The parrots, being opportunistic eaters, enjoy a diverse diet that includes juniper berries, pine nuts, blackberries, apples, loquats, strawberry guavas, pears, cotoneaster berries, English hawthorn, and flower blossoms. Despite their captivating presence, feeding any wild birds, including these parrots, is illegal in San Francisco.

Conclusion

The story of the wild parrots of San Francisco is a testament to nature's resilience and ability to adapt to unexpected surroundings. What began with a single pair of cherry-headed conures in 1990 has evolved into a thriving community that has flourished for over three decades.

Today, these lively birds can be spotted soaring across the city, adding a touch of the exotic to San Francisco's skyline and offering residents and visitors a unique glimpse into the harmonious coexistence of nature and urban life.

As the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill continue to enchant the city, their presence transforms San Francisco into an urban jungle where nature and civilization seamlessly intertwine.

Photo byLaurent JolletonUnsplash

Attributions:

1. https://localwiki.org/sf/Parrots
2. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/parrots-telegraph-hill