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These noisy, playful birds aren’t just a quirky local legend—they’re one of the most unexpected highlights of exploring the city. Whether you’re wandering through North Beach, climbing toward Coit Tower, or cruising scenic neighborhoods on a small-group sightseeing adventure, keep your eyes (and ears) open for a flash of green and the cheerful squawk of these feathered residents.
If you want the highlights without the deep dive, here’s the “tell-me-fast” version:
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.
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 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.
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 wild parrot perched in San Francisco, recently voted the city’s official animal
Photo by Ingrid Taylar, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Move over sea lions—San Francisco’s wild parrots have officially claimed the spotlight.
In a citywide vote hosted by the San Francisco Chronicle, the colorful flock made famous by
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill have been named San Francisco’s official city animal. The multi-week online contest started with 16 local animals and narrowed the field through four rounds of ranked-choice voting.
When it came down to a dramatic, winner-take-all showdown between the wild parrots and the Pier 39 sea lions, the parrots squeaked out a victory with 51.3% of the vote.
More than 27,000 people participated.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has since approved a resolution to make their status official—proof that in San Francisco, even civic honors can be a little quirky.
Loud, colorful, unexpected, and impossible to ignore—honestly, could there be a more perfect animal to represent San Francisco?
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.
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.
Want to maximize your odds? These birds move fast, but they have favorite “hangout zones.” Your best strategy: listen first, then look up.
Best times: early morning and late afternoon/early evening (especially when they’re flying between feeding areas and roosts).
If you’re a bird enthusiast or just love unique wildlife experiences, spotting San Francisco’s wild parrots is a must-do activity. These colorful and lively birds have made a home in various parts of the city, and with a little guidance, you can increase your chances of catching a glimpse of them. Here’s your ultimate guide on how to locate the wild parrots of San Francisco.
Wild parrots are creatures of habit, and understanding their daily routines can significantly improve your chances of spotting them. Keep these timing tips in mind:
San Francisco offers a few key spots where parrot sightings are more common. Explore these locations for a higher chance of encountering these vibrant birds:
From approximately early October to early February, the flock soars as a cohesive entity. As February approaches, it slowly starts to disperse into smaller clusters, marking the onset of the breeding season. By late June or early July, females have settled onto their nests, coinciding with a phase when the flock traverses its territory in compact formations, consisting of merely two to ten members.
Remember, patience is key when trying to spot wild parrots. They might stay perched for only a few minutes before taking off, so be prepared to wait and keep your eyes on the trees. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see them right away; sometimes, the thrill is in the search.
One of the easiest ways to combine Telegraph Hill’s famous wild parrots with jaw-dropping views and other San Francisco icons is exploring with a fun local guide—especially if you’re already planning to see Coit Tower, North Beach, and the Embarcadero in the same outing. Our open-air Jeep route often passes through these areas, so if the flock decides to make an appearance, you’ll be perfectly positioned for a “wait… did you see that?!” moment.
Explore our Private San Francisco City Tour (and yes—because it’s private, you can always request extra time around Telegraph Hill when timing and traffic allow).
The wild parrots of Telegraph Hill are one of San Francisco’s most unexpected and beloved urban wildlife stories. Bright, noisy, and completely free, they’ve become a true local legend.
Escaped pets turned city icons.
Most of the Telegraph Hill parrots are believed to be former pet birds that escaped or were released decades ago. Over time, they adapted, formed a stable feral flock, and spread across several San Francisco neighborhoods.
Mostly conures.
The flock is primarily made up of cherry-headed conures, with smaller numbers of mitred conures and blue-crowned conures. Each species has distinct colors and vocal patterns, making the flock easy to spot—and hear.
Look up—and listen.
Popular viewing areas include Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower, the Filbert Steps, Pioneer Park, rooftops in North Beach, and the nearby Embarcadero. Morning and early evening are often the best times to spot them flying between feeding areas.
A natural urban diet.
The parrots forage for berries, seeds, fruit, blossoms, and tree buds found throughout San Francisco. Feeding them human food is discouraged because it can harm their health and disrupt natural behaviors.
That’s how flocks stay together.
Conures communicate with sharp, loud calls to keep the flock connected while flying and roosting. Their squawks help coordinate movement and warn of potential danger.
The number changes over time.
Estimates typically range from about 150 to more than 300 parrots, depending on the season, breeding cycles, and food availability.
No—best enjoyed from a distance.
Feeding the parrots is discouraged and, in some areas, prohibited. Human food can harm them, and dependency interferes with their ability to forage naturally.
A favorite stop for wildlife lovers.
The Private San Francisco City Sightseeing Tour by Convertible Jeep and the San Francisco Sunset or City Lights Private Group Jeep Tour can include Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower upon request, depending on traffic and timing.
Yes—custom timing makes it easy.
Because the tours are private, your guide can spend extra time around Telegraph Hill or North Beach, both prime areas for spotting the flock.
Yes—city icons and redwoods in one day.
The Full Day – City Tour Plus Giant Redwoods and Sausalito includes a customizable San Francisco route, allowing you to visit Telegraph Hill either before or after exploring Muir Woods.
Good to know: Parrot sightings are never guaranteed, but when they appear, it’s one of the most joyful and memorable surprises in San Francisco.
