Parakeets Take UK: Love or Hate?

0:00On March 15, wild parakeets have become a fixture across the UK with their bright green feathers and noisy flocks turning heads everywhere. These non-native birds arrive through accidental releases in the late 1960s, and by 2026, they spread to nearly every corner of the West Midlands and beyond. Early sightings go back to the early 1800s, but it took decades for them to build stable breeding groups. Now, they're thriving in urban parks and woodlands, adapting quickly to the British climate. People have strong feelings about them, you either love their cheeky antics or resent how they muscle in on local wildlife. They're known for being territorial, chasing other birds from nests and food sources in a bid to claim prime spots. You often spot large flocks in green areas with tall, thick trees where they hang upside-down or dark between branches. Despite the squabbles, their lively presence adds a splash of color to everyday walks. As these parakeets keep expanding, they're reshaping birdwatching in the UK for better or

1:02worse and showing no signs of slowing down.