Do Wild Parrots Ever Visit A Backyard Bird Feeder? Here's What We Found

Your backyard is filled with beautiful sights and wildlife. And one of the most common animals seen is birds. However, instead of your normal species, have you ever thought of attracting a more diverse variety of birds to your yard? Maybe one that you probably never imagined, like parrots. Instead of domesticated ones, wild parrots will visit your backyard birdfeeder, but only specific types, like the Monk Parakeet, Red-crowned Amazon, and Nanday Parakeet.

While many parrots will naturally roam free in countries like Australia, the United States doesn't actually have any native species. Originally, there were two American parrots, but unfortunately, the Carolina Parakeet became extinct in 1918, while the Thick-billed Parrot migrated to Mexico and never returned. So, any parrots you see in the wild are imported from other countries, lost pet birds, or descendants of now-colonized groups, labeling them as feral parrots.

While they are gorgeous animals, you can't turn them into your pet. The U.S. has no federal law; therefore, every state has specific regulations and ordinances. For example, Texas labels these birds as exotic nongame birds, meaning you can purchase them legally through a licensed, permitted dealer. Most of these birds can be found in Texas, California, and Florida, but they will pop up in ideal environments and cities with temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you know what kind will come and visit, find the best ways to attract them to your feeder.

Since parrots are a type of bird you want in your yard, it's best to know which ones you'll find in the wild and how to identify them. In the United States, there are 25 breeding species of feral parrots. However, there are three kinds that are more common than the rest. First is the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), a mainly green bird with blue tips on its wings and an orange mouth. As the only type of parrot that uses sticks to build nests in trees, they are mainly found in public parks and woods. Next is the Red-crowned Amazon (Amazona viridigenalis), an essentially green parrot with a red-crowned head. It is currently listed as an endangered species with many laws protecting it from poaching, illegal animal trade, and the destruction of its habitat. This bird is mainly active in the morning, spending the day digesting its food.

Last is the Nanday Parakeet (Aratinga nenday), a yellow-green bird with a black head and bill, and black and blue wings. You may be able to easily spot them when they are flocked together during non-breeding times. If you enjoy identifying birds, you can't forget about these wild parrots. Just make sure to have an excellent bird field guide and quick eyes because these beauties are hard to come by. But don't get discouraged because there are some steps you can take to bring them to your own yard.

Now that you know some of the most common types, you need to know how to attract them to your own bird feeder. Before placing anything new, properly clean your backyard bird feeder with cleaning solutions like vinegar or boiling water to stop the spread of diseases. When feeding wild parrots, you must remember that they are typically larger than your normal backyard bird, leading you to needing a bigger feeder, like the Kingsyard Metal Bird Feeder. Once you have your feeding station, place it on or near the parrot's favorite spot — a tree. With a perfect place to perch or nest, they have a tendency to consistently camp out in these areas.

While these birds easily adapt to their surrounding resources, they have specific foods they prefer: nuts (almonds and peanuts), fruits (berries, apples, and figs), and seed blends. With these items, they prefer shells still on and pits to be removed. While these treats can be placed in a bird feeder or saucer, they also enjoy hanging fruit, so tie some on your porch, balcony, or even tree. Avoid garlic, tomatoes, rhubarb, and avocado to keep these wild friends healthy. Just like any other bird, they need water, so make sure to place a large, shallow bowl. Since these birds are not domesticated, refrain from giving them store-bought parrot feed, as it will not provide enough nutritional value, leading to malnutrition or even death.