The Monks came to San Leon about 20 years ago, according to local legend. They have survived hurricanes and hard winters. Although no exact count of colonies has been made there are at least five in the immediate area. These colonies vary in size from 3 or 4 to as many as 30 or more. They have been reported from San Leon on the south, to La Porte to the north.

The nests are quite large affairs housing many pairs in various chambers. Popular building sites are mature date palms and around power transformers, the latter not appreciated by our local power company. They are not picky eaters and will readily eat corn and other grains as well as bread scraps. Their diet for the most part consists of the seeds and nuts of chinese tallow, hackleberry and seed pods from the various palms, so numerous in this area.