Richard Moore Outdoor Report: Parrot Paradise

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — It’s a time of plenty for native Red-crowned parrots, a virtual parrot paradise for the raucous birds feasting on bountiful golden anacua berries. 

Perched jauntily atop thick clusters of ripe fruits, this trio of red-crowns savors a sumptuous repast in the rich golden light of late afternoon. 

So many sweet berries to choose from … how does a parrot decide which to pluck, and just how many can a red-crown eat without ever having to venture from its selected clump of summertime treats? 

As shadows lengthen and light fades, the flock lingers over luscious berries, intent on satisfying their hunger before taking flight to nearby roosts. 

They keep hanging around, devouring the bounty from all angles as they seek out selected fruits, sometimes hanging upside down to snatch a preferred snack before repositioning for upright dining. 

Finally, feasting is finished, and eventually the last parrot departs to roost for the night. 

While native trees like anacua provide abundant food for resident red-crowns, the opportunistic parrots also frequent backyard feeders offering sunflower seeds and peanuts. 

The parrots are adept at shelling the seeds and, with their marvelous dexterity, easily grasp peanuts while cracking them open with their specialized beaks. 

Now, the pesky peanuts provide a challenge for chachalacas; however, they tussle with them, trying to figure out how to crack the code. 

Despite careful observation of parrot technique, chachalacas' beaks are just not designed for opening peanuts. Fortunately, parrots are messy eaters, and this chachalaca has learned to patiently wait for parrots to do the work and then quickly snatch the fallen pieces.

Sometimes, it can get a little confrontational, but the birds usually get along just fine.

In a uniquely South Texas tableau, you have Red-crowned parrots, White-winged doves, and chachalacas all coexisting peacefully in a land of plenty.