How UK’s Parakeet Population is Transforming Local Ecosystems

In recent years, a vibrant and unexpected addition has graced the UK’s landscapes: the ring-necked parakeet. We love to see these beautiful creatures flit about in our garden, sometimes 10 at a time.

Originally an exotic pet, these bright green birds have multiplied dramatically, leading many to dub it the “Great Parakeet Invasion.” Now a common sight in parks, gardens, and urban areas across the country, these parakeets are transforming local ecosystems in ways both surprising and concerning.

The Origins of England’s Parakeets

The ring-necked parakeet, also known as the rose-ringed parakeet, hails from the tropical regions of Africa and South Asia. But how did these exotic birds come to thrive in the UK’s temperate climate?

How did parakeets come to the UK?

Some suggest the birds escaped from aviaries. A few say they were released by pet owners who could no longer care for them. Others believe that fears of ‘parrot fever’—a disease transmittable to humans—may have prompted the birds’ release into urban environments.

One popular urban legend claims that parakeets were set free during the filming of the 1951 movie The African Queen at London’s Ealing Studios. Although their exact origins remain unclear, one fact is certain: these adaptable birds have carved out a niche in their new British habitat.

The Rise of the Parakeet Population

Over the last few decades, the parakeet population has exploded. Estimates suggest there are now tens of thousands of these birds, particularly concentrated in the Southeast, with London and its surrounding counties serving as the epicentre. In fact, ring-necked parakeets are thriving mostly inside the M25, with numbers estimated at around 32,000 as far back as 2012. Since then, their population has continued to grow, raising concerns about potential ecological and economic impacts.

For many of us, their bright green plumage and distinctive calls are a familiar and welcome sight in our own backyards. We’ve grown fond of watching them dart between the trees, their vivid feathers standing out against the sky, bringing an unexpected splash of tropical colour to our gardens. Their presence is a reminder that nature is never static, and even urban spaces can become home to wildlife from faraway lands. However, as much as we enjoy watching their vibrant displays, their growing numbers also raise significant ecological concerns.

Ecological Impact: A Double-Edged Sword

While the ring-necked parakeet adds a touch of the exotic to our urban and natural environments, its rapid population growth brings both benefits and challenges.

Positive Impacts:

  • Increased Biodiversity: The parakeets enhance the diversity of bird species in the UK. For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, seeing these exotic birds can be a unique and exciting experience.
  • Boosting Wildlife Tourism: The presence of parakeets has sparked public interest, attracting tourists and birdwatchers alike to areas where the birds thrive. This fascination with parakeets may also foster greater awareness of wildlife conservation efforts.

Negative Impacts:

  • Competition with Native Species: These parakeets are aggressive competitors, often outmuscling native species like woodpeckers and starlings for food and nesting sites. They also exclude native birds and bats from nesting cavities, threatening local biodiversity.
  • Agricultural and Economic Damage: Parakeets pose a particular threat to fruit farms and vineyards. In fact, there is growing concern that, much like the problems seen around the Mediterranean and especially in Israel—where crops have been decimated by parakeet flocks— agriculture could face similar losses. With large flocks stripping fruit trees, the potential for economic damage to farms is substantial.
  • Urban Noise and Nuisance: In cities, large parakeet roosts generate noise pollution, with their loud calls disturbing residents, particularly during early morning and evening hours.

Public Perception: A Divisive Issue

Despite the ecological and economic threats posed by the parakeets, they have won the hearts of many people. Their vibrant green feathers and tropical appearance have made them a beloved feature of urban wildlife. Public perception has become one of the biggest challenges for managing the parakeet population. While conservationists and farmers may see them as a growing threat, many members of the public love watching these exotic birds and are reluctant to see any measures taken against them.

Managing the Parakeet Population: A Delicate Balance

As the parakeet population continues to grow, conservationists, ecologists, and local governments must find ways to manage these birds without exacerbating the ecological strain. Proposals to cull or control parakeet numbers have sparked debate, raising ethical concerns about how to balance the needs of native species with the rights of these invaders.

Alternative approaches, such as habitat management, aim to protect native species by limiting the availability of nesting sites for parakeets. Public education campaigns could also encourage people to avoid feeding parakeets, reducing their population growth.

Nature Fights Back: The Predator Problem

Even as parakeets flourish, they are not without threats. In London, peregrine falcons—renowned as the world’s fastest bird—have begun preying on them. Initially attracted to cities by the abundance of urban pigeons, peregrine falcons began nesting in the capital in the 1990s. One of the first documented nesting sites was at Battersea Power Station in 2000, an iconic location for these raptors. The falcons have found England’s urban areas to be fertile hunting ground, and during the first Covid-19 lockdown, they expanded their prey base to include green parakeets as pigeon populations temporarily declined.

There are now thought to be around 40 breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in London. As their presence increases, it will be interesting to see how this new predator-prey dynamic influences the parakeet population.

The Future of the Parakeets

The ‘Great Parakeet Invasion’ offers a fascinating glimpse into how non-native species can adapt and thrive in foreign environments. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by its growing parakeet population, this situation highlights the complex relationships between wildlife, urban environments, and conservation efforts.

While the long-term ecological effects of this invasion are still uncertain, one thing is clear: these colourful invaders have left an indelible mark on our ecosystems. Whether viewed as a charming addition or an ecological threat, the parakeet’s presence reminds us of nature’s adaptability and the importance of thoughtful environmental management.

For those of us who love to see their bright green plumage flash through the trees in our gardens, these birds are a beautiful, if controversial, symbol of nature’s resilience and ability to adapt to an ever-changing world.

You can read more about and how and where to spot parakeets on the RSPB website.

Plus the Wikipedia page.

 

Resources for Teachers and Families

Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry, themes in our stories.

For even more exploration of the natural world, tune in to our “Stories, Science, and Secrets” podcast for kids.  Join Matthew, Elaine, Steve Punt and special guests, as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.