Exotic South American parrots thriving in wild colonies on Florida's Space Coast

Exotic South American parrots thriving in wild colonies on Florida's Space Coast

Bright blue and green parrots native to South America are drawing attention in Melbourne, where bird watchers have reported more sightings across the Space Coast.

Noisy Blue Parrots Move In Across Florida's Space Coast

Those flashes of blue and green streaking across Melbourne are not a trick of the light. Blue crowned conures, small parrots native to South America, have been popping up from downtown Melbourne down U.S. 1 toward Palm Bay. Birdwatchers say the birds are pairing off and nesting in neighborhood trees, and local wildlife staff warn their numbers are likely to grow if pet releases keep happening. Flocks and mating pairs have been spotted near downt…