In defense of Argentine parrots

Across cities worldwide, and particularly in Spain, a silent and often unnoticed battle unfolds among urban bird species. Argentine parrots, scientifically known as Myiopsitta monachus, have been unfairly branded as an invasive and dangerous species, while pigeons—so ubiquitous in our squares and buildings—enjoy near-universal acceptance. In this piece, I will argue why we should reconsider our approach to these birds and, specifically, defend the presence of Argentine parrots.

The Case for Argentine Parrots 

Controlled Environmental Impact: Contrary to popular belief, the environmental impact of Argentine parrots is not as severe as often exaggerated. Their diet is varied but not exclusively harmful to local flora; in fact, they frequently consume abundant fruits and seeds. Moreover, they do not significantly compete with native species in a direct or detrimental way. 
 
Beauty and Social Behavior: Argentine parrots are strikingly attractive birds, with their vibrant green plumage and their ability to form large, social colonies. Their presence brings a splash of color and vitality to urban areas. Beyond aesthetics, they are renowned for their intelligence and communication skills, making them fascinating from an ethological perspective. 
 
Minor Public Health Concerns: While it’s true they can occasionally affect infrastructure like power lines, their impact on public health is minimal compared to pigeons. Argentine parrots are not disease vectors in the same way pigeons are, whose accumulated droppings in buildings and public spaces pose significant health risks.

The Problem with Pigeons 

Material and Health Damage: Pigeons (Columba livia) produce vast amounts of droppings that not only mar the aesthetic appeal of cities but also cause considerable damage to architecture and cultural heritage. Furthermore, their feces can transmit diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis, among others. 
 
Overabundance and Ineffective Control: Pigeons have multiplied unchecked due to human feeding and the absence of natural predators in urban environments. Efforts to control their population have largely proven ineffective or ethically controversial.

Final Reflection

Favoring Argentine parrots over pigeons is not merely a matter of aesthetics or fewer nuisances. It’s about ecological fairness and reassessing how we treat the species that share our urban spaces. If we must choose, opting for parrots not only reduces health and maintenance issues but also enriches our daily lives with diversity and beauty. It’s time for our perceptions and policies toward these birds to evolve, recognizing Argentine parrots not as pests, but as urban neighbors with a right to exist and be appreciated.
 

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon): https://a.co/d/hono34C