Nestled within the bustling streets of San Francisco, an unexpected surprise awaits those who look to the skies – a vibrant and raucous flock of wild parrots. These feathered residents have become a beloved part of the city’s landscape, captivating the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Let’s dive into the intriguing story behind the presence of these colorful creatures, from their origins to their habits, and uncover some delightful fun facts along the way.

Why a Flock of Wild Parrots in San Francisco?

Imagine walking down the charming streets of San Francisco and suddenly being greeted by a flurry of vibrant plumage and exuberant calls. The sight of wild parrots soaring above the cityscape is both enchanting and puzzling. How did these tropical birds find their way to a city known for its foggy shores and iconic Golden Gate Bridge?

The Origin Story: How Did They Get Here?

The tale begins with the exotic pet trade that once flourished in the United States. These captivating birds were imported from various corners of the world to satisfy the demand for rare and unique pets. The U.S. held the title of the world’s largest bird importer until the trade of wild exotic birds was banned in 1992. Among the species brought in were the cherry-headed conures, the stars of San Francisco’s parrot spectacle.

Escaped and Released: The Birth of the Wild Flock

The wild parrot population in San Francisco primarily consists of cherry-headed conures. These colorful birds escaped or were intentionally released into the city. The conures, known for their vivid green feathers and distinctive red heads, were originally imported from Ecuador and northern Peru. Not everyone was prepared for the demands of caring for these energetic birds, leading some pet owners to set them free. Over time, these escapees formed a tight-knit community, establishing their own unique dialect of calls and responses.

A Symphony of Facts: 17 Intriguing fun facts about the Wild Parrots in San Francisco

1. Language Learners: While not accomplished mimics of human speech, these conures have developed their own intricate communication system.
2. Extensive Territory: The flock’s range spans from the Ferry Building southward to Brisbane and Sunnyvale, making it a citywide phenomenon.
3. Historical Hill: Telegraph Hill has a long history of attracting parrots; they have been spotted there since 1911.
4. Diverse Heritage: The flock originally consisted of cherry-headed conures, but a mitered conure introduced diversity through crossbreeding.
5. Charming Headgear: Cherry-headed conures sport a unique red helmet pattern on their heads, distinguishing them from their mitered cousins.
6. Ancient Residents: Wild parrots have called Telegraph Hill home since 1911, with the cherry-headed conures becoming dominant in the 1990s.
7. Dietary Preferences: These conures have diverse palates, enjoying fruits, vegetables, berries, flowers, and even blossoms as part of their diet.
8. Official Representatives: The wild parrots recently earned the title of San Francisco’s official animal, winning over sea lions by a narrow margin.
9. Longevity: Each parrot can live for over 35 years, creating generations of these captivating birds.
10. Noisy Neighbors: The parrots’ lively calls contribute to the symphony of city sounds, and they have their own distinct dialect.
11. Habitat Guardians: These parrots utilize pre-existing tree holes for shelter, avoiding the predatory hawks that inhabit the area.
12. Mysterious Threat: While some parrots have shown neurological damage, it’s not a threat to the entire flock; the source is attributed to a common rat poison.
13. Chronicle of Fame: Mark Bittner’s book and documentary, “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill,” brought these avian stars into the limelight.
14. Local Hotspots: Catching a glimpse of these parrots is an adventure – popular locations include Coit Tower, Embarcadero Park, and more. More information on how to spot them is listed below.
15. Loud and Proud: The conures’ calls, known for being loud and distinct, make them a part of the city’s audible character.
16. So popular they are on Yelp: Lots of photos and reviews with hints to find them on Yelp!
17. Diverse Heritage: The parrots’ ancestors originated from the arid habitats of South America, facing habitat destruction and the pet trade.

The Thriving Legacy of San Francisco’s Parrots

As they navigate the urban landscape with their colorful plumage and distinctive calls, the wild parrots of San Francisco have become iconic symbols of the city’s diversity and resilience. From their unexpected arrival to their remarkable ability to adapt and flourish, these birds have captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Whether you encounter them on Telegraph Hill or hear their calls echoing across the city, remember the fascinating journey that brought these avian companions to the city by the bay.

Stars of Screen and Print

The parrots are featured in the 2005 documentary film “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” and Mark Bittner’s 2004 book The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: A Love Story . . . with Wings 

Excerpt from the introduction to the book: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is the inspiring story of how one man found his life’s work and true love among a gang of wild parrots roosting in one of America’s most picturesque urban settings.  Mark Bittner was down on his luck. He’d gone to San Francisco at the age of twenty-one to take a stab at a music career, but he hadn’t had much success. After many years as an odd-jobber in the area, he accepted work as a housekeeper for an elderly woman. The gig came with a rent-free studio apartment on the city’s famed Telegraph Hill, which had somehow become home to a flock of brilliantly colored wild parrots.

In this unforgettable story, Bittner recounts how he became fascinated by the birds and made up his mind to get to know them and gain their trust. He succeeds to such a degree that he becomes the local wild parrot expert and a tourist attraction. People can’t help gawking at the man who, during daily feedings, stands with parrots perched along both arms and atop his head. When a documentary filmmaker comes along to capture the phenomenon on film, the story takes a surprising turn, and Bittner’s life truly takes flight.

Trailer for the Documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill