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

Exotic birds are thriving on the Space Coast. South American parrots are popping up in Melbourne, catching local bird watchers completely off guard as the bright-colored invaders establish a permanent home in Central Florida.From South America to the Space CoastThe bright blue and green birds are blue-crowned conures. Members of the parrot family, they are highly intelligent, boast massive personalities, and can live up to 40 years. While they are a long way from home, wild colonies are being spotted with increasing frequency across Melbourne.Local resident Cynthia recently spotted one of the exotic parrots just outside downtown Melbourne after its loud calls caught her and her husband’s attention."He heard it, and it was squawking a lot, and so he looked up and saw it," Cynthia said.CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APPWhen she returned to the area a few days later, she realized the single bird had found some company."They’re lovey dovey," Cynthia observed. "They’re like a mate and a pa