Parrots Thrive in Mérida’s Urban Environment

Mérida, Mexico — In Mérida, it has become increasingly common to hear and, with a bit of luck, observe parrots inhabiting some streets. However, questions arise about the risks they face and what factors have allowed these birds to adapt to urban life.

Pierre Medina, director of the Proyecto Santa María refuge, shared valuable information to better understand this species.

As part of the project, he noted, a parrot monitoring initiative began about four years ago, which was not very detailed and concluded last November.

According to him, the objective of the monitoring was to understand what was happening with the parrot population that has been adapting to the urban area, identify their feeding habits, the sites where they sleep, the risks they face, and other problems.

The results revealed that some populations have strengthened, to the point of reproducing within the city.

The director indicated that there was knowledge of the presence of three species in the city and the state; however, thanks to this monitoring, it was identified that there are currently at least eight species.

He also commented that it was common to observe white-fronted parrots, “Amazona xantholora,” Cali parrots, and yellow-cheeked parrots, the latter naturally distributed in the state.

Pierre Medina noted that the yellow-cheeked species is one of the most trafficked and illegally traded.

Following the monitoring, yellow-headed parrots were also detected, which are endangered and have attempted to reproduce in the south of the state.

Among other detected species is the blue-crowned parrot, considered the largest in Mexico, which has been seen in the north of the city.

Species such as the Kramer parrot, of exotic origin, as well as the “Amazona finschi,” better known as the lilac-crowned parrot, a species not naturally distributed in the region but that has arrived due to illegal wildlife trafficking, have been recorded.

Adaptation of Parrots

Regarding the adaptation of parrots, Pierre Medina explained that these birds are very versatile and skilled at adapting to new environments.

As an example, he mentioned Monterrey, where an urban nest program was applied that favored the growth of the parrot population, which can now be seen flying through the city.

“Historically, the parrot has been a pet. Many times, due to poor handling, they escape from people or are improperly released. They are very intelligent animals that have managed to adapt to urban areas and reproduce,” which has generated large populations, he stated.

The director indicated that they have received reports from people in the Piedra de Agua subdivision, where some attempt to capture the parrots and even hit them in order to have them.

This is one of the risks these birds face, in addition to collisions, which in some cases result in being run over.

Fireworks, a Serious Problem

Fireworks are also not a friend to birds, much less to parrots. He recalled that during the month of September, the monitoring showed that celebrations with the use of fireworks caused flocks to flee in terror, collide with each other, and even the fall of some specimens among people was reported.

Pierre Medina recalled that parrots are protected species; however, when they are injured, the laws are not always enforced.

Therefore, he urged authorities to enforce them, remembering that fireworks not only affect birds but also children, dogs, people on the autism spectrum, and those suffering from respiratory problems.

Likewise, he called on citizens to be more aware.

Regarding the application of the law, he stated that it is urgent that it be complied with.

He recently received a report of two injured parrots; both died due to the poor conditions they were in: one had a broken leg and the other was in critical condition, with a fetid odor and necrotic tissue.

The presence of parrots in the city is a reminder of the natural wealth that still surrounds us, but also of the collective responsibility to protect it.

Caring for these birds not only implies admiring them but respecting their lives and ensuring a safer environment for coexistence.