Thousands of parrots invade Argentine town

The number of parrots outnumbers people in the town of Hilario Ascasubi after deforestation forced them to fly out in search of food, water and shelter.

The town of Hilario Ascasubi near Argentina's Atlantic coast is having trouble with parrots. Driven by deforestation in the surrounding hills, thousands of the red, yellow and green birds have invaded the town , according to biologists. They chew through power lines, causing blackouts, and have left residents frustrated with their constant screeching and droppings, the Guardian reported on September 30.

Parrots perch on a power line in Hilario Ascasubi. (Photo: Reuters).

'The hillsides are disappearing, and this is forcing parrots closer to the cities in search of food, water and shelter,' said biologist Daiana Lera, who said much of Argentina's forested land had been lost over the years.

Within a few years, parrots began to appear, roosting in the town during the fall and winter. Locals say the town has about 5,000 residents, but there are 10 times as many parrots. 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 shadowing the rooftops of buildings and churches. When they chew on the wires, water seeps into them during rains, disrupting power transmission. They cause daily damage to residents, according to local reporter Ramón Alvarez.

The townspeople have tried various methods to scare the parrots away, including making noise and using laser lights, but to no avail. "We need to restore the natural environment. But before that happens, we need to think of a solution to live in harmony with the parrots ," Lera said.

Parrots are brightly plumaged birds with curved beaks. The beaks are curved forward, allowing them to grasp, grind food, and climb. Their wings are well developed, and some species have long tails adapted for flying. Parrots live in large flocks and feed on fruits, seeds, and other plants. Some species eat honey, insects, and grubs.