Beginning in the 1960s, tens of thousands of parakeets, most of them wild-caught, were shipped from South America to the U.S. for the pet trade. Many either escaped or were released from their cages. Today, groups of these parakeets thrive in urban neighborhoods in more than a dozen states. (The bird's screeches and squawks can be heard in cities from Miami to Brooklyn to Chicago to Houston.) Florida is thought to have the largest population of monk parakeets in the United States.

Monk parakeets are not known to have any negative effects on native birds, and many Floridians consider the attractive birds a positive addition to their community.

Unfortunately, monk parakeets find utility poles irresistable spots to build their nests of sticks and branches. The large nests can cause power outages and fires.

In past years, ARFF received complaints from residents who witnessed Florida Power and Light (FPL) workers knocking down nests with sticks, causing baby parakeets to fall to their death. Other birds were captured and killed with carbon dioxide.

In August 2000, ARFF pressed the State Attorney to file charges against FPL after workers blasted a nest, eggs and hatchlings with high-pressure water hoses in Cooper City. Although cruelty charges were not filed, ARFF met with FPL officials and the company committed to remove the birds humanely, and to avoid destroying nests with eggs or baby birds.

Monk Parakeets (a.k.a. Quaker Parrots)
• Native to South America.
• Intelligent, non-aggressive birds.
• Monk parakeets can live to be 20 years old.
• Monk parakeets are very social birds; they usually fly in flocks and live in communal nests.
• What do they sound like? Click here to listen to a sample (.mp3 file).

Humane Solutions
Destroying nests is only a temporary solution, as adult birds immediately begin to rebuild their nests. The most effective and humane solution is to prevent nests from being constructed in problem areas. Routine maintenance of power poles, and removing nests as soon as birds begin construction, can encourage birds to nest elsewhere (monk parakeets also enjoy nesting in tall palm trees).

Utility companies have also found that trimming back nests, without destroying them, can prevent the nests from becoming dangerous. Alternative nest platforms also have proved successful in luring Quaker parrots away from power line structures. After a power company killed dozens of parakeets in Connecticut, local residents created nesting platforms for the birds (Friends of Animals has provided instructions on how you can build a platform; click here for details).
*Never try to remove birds or a nest from a power pole on your own!

What You Can Do:
If you see power company employees cruelly knocking-down nests, please contact ARFF immediately!