The number of parrots has surpassed the population of the town of Hilario Ascasubi as deforestation drives them to seek food, water, and shelter.
The town of Hilario Ascasubi, located near the Atlantic coast of Argentina, is facing an overwhelming presence of parrots. Driven by deforestation in the surrounding hills, thousands of red, yellow, and green birds have invaded the town, according to biologists. They chew on power lines, causing outages, while their incessant squawking and droppings have frustrated local residents, as reported by the Guardian on September 30.
Parrots perched on a power line in Hilario Ascasubi. (Photo: Reuters).
“The hillside areas are gradually disappearing, which is bringing the parrots closer to the city in search of food, water, and shelter,” said biologist Daiana Lera. According to her, much of Argentina’s forest land has been disappearing over the years.
In recent years, the parrots have begun to appear and settle in the town throughout the autumn and winter months. Local residents state that the town has about 5,000 inhabitants, but the number of parrots is ten times that. In the summer, they migrate south to the cliffs of Patagonia to breed.
A common sight in the town is hundreds of parrots perched on power lines and poles, or casting shadows on the roofs of buildings and churches. When they chew on power lines, rainwater seeps into the wires, leading to power interruptions. They cause daily disruptions for the residents, according to local reporter Ramón Alvarez.
The townspeople have tried various methods to scare off the parrots, such as making noise and using laser lights, but these have been ineffective. “We need to restore the natural environment. But before that happens, we need to think of solutions to coexist peacefully with the parrots,” Lera stated.
Parrots are brightly colored birds with curved beaks. Their two beak joints curve forward, allowing them to grasp, crush food, and climb. Their wings are well-developed, and some species even have long tails adapted for flying. Parrots are social birds that live in large flocks, feeding on fruits, seeds, and other types of vegetation. Some species consume honey, insects, and larvae.
