A colony of parrots surprises residents of Vedado in Havana

Residents of El Vedado, Havana, are amazed by the unexpected arrival of parakeets and woodpeckers.


A colony of parrots has amazed the neighbors in the Havana neighborhood of Vedado, who have shared their sightings on social media, highlighting how striking and noisy these birds are.

Residents expressed their fascination with the parrots in the Facebook group El Vedado de hoy, but also warned about the possibility of them being hunted by traders. In this regard, they requested that their exact location not be disclosed to protect them.

"I've seen them, and they are super funny... and quite shocking," comments a neighbor, while others have also noticed the presence of woodpeckers in the area, which adds even more life to the natural environment of the famous neighborhood.

Some residents have expressed optimism as they observe how nature seems to be reclaiming space in the city, bringing a touch of beauty to an area that has witnessed its mansions age over the years alongside the island's ongoing crisis.

"Thank goodness they live freely... and that no one harms them," says Mercy Copa, one of the neighbors, while Ana Alvarez expresses her hope that this phenomenon is a sign of "rebirth" for Vedado, a neighborhood that, according to her, has experienced decline in recent years.

Other residents, like Elizabeth Sanchez Redonet, mention that this type of sighting was not common in the past. "I’m from the 70s, and I never saw either parakeets or woodpeckers," she remarks. She believes that the return of the parakeets is a result of the decrease in industrial impact in the area.

Although some residents have requested greater protection for the parrots, asking that the exact locations of where they are found not be disclosed, the presence of these colorful and noisy animals continues to bring joy and hope to the locals, who see in them a breath of nature in an urban environment.

In January, it was reported that sightings of red squirrels had also become increasingly common in the Havana neighborhood, leading some to point out that while people were leaving the island, the animals were repopulating it.

"Cubans are leaving the island, and animals are taking their place. In Vedado, there are parrots and squirrels like never before, but there are also many dogs and cats," stated user Candido Luis González-Posada Carmona in the Facebook group mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Presence of Parrots in El Vedado, Havana

Why has the presence of parrots in El Vedado been surprising?

The presence of parakeets in El Vedado has surprised the residents, as it is not common to see these birds in the area. Many interpret this as a sign of the recovery of local wildlife following the reduced industrial impact.

What measures are the neighbors taking to protect the parrots?

The neighbors are requesting that the exact location of the parrots not be revealed in order to prevent them from being hunted, thereby promoting their protection. The community has expressed concern for the safety of these birds and has asked that their precise location be kept confidential.

How is the emergence of parakeets related to the urban environment of Havana?

The presence of parrots in El Vedado is seen as a breath of nature in an urban environment that has been impacted by industrialization and the crisis of government management. This has sparked hope among residents for a possible revival of the area.

What other species have been spotted in El Vedado recently?

In addition to the parrots, residents have noticed the presence of woodpeckers, which adds diversity to the area's natural environment. These sightings are seen as part of the recovery of the local wildlife.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists dedicated to reporting on current events in Cuba and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.