Did you know that China is the country that exports the most?
You might be amazed to find European parks buzzing with vibrant green-feathered birds sporting red beaks and bluish tails. These rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri), originally native to Africa and the Indian subcontinent, have been thriving in cities like Amsterdam, Lisbon, London, and Paris for decades. Easily recognizable by their striking plumage and unique squeaking calls, they’ve become a familiar sight in urban landscapes. Over the years, urban legends have circulated about their origins, including one that claims musician Jimi Hendrix released them in England—an entertaining tale that adds to their mystique.
But how did these parakeets originally spread across Europe, and what are we doing about it? Click through to find out.
Experts suggest that the rise of rose-ringed parakeets in Amsterdam likely stems from a more straightforward explanation. Beginning in the 1970s, when these vibrant birds were highly sought after as exotic pets and widely displayed in zoos and aviaries, many parakeets either escaped or were intentionally released into the wild.
Over time, the escaped or released parakeets in Amsterdam found each other, forming the vibrant colony that thrives in the city's green spaces today. These rose-ringed parakeets coexist with native wildlife, such as herons, swans, ducks, and coots, adding a splash of exotic charm to the urban ecosystem.
The rose-ringed parakeets' persistent, though generally welcomed, presence in urban environments sparks a question: why are certain non-native species embraced in unfamiliar habitats, while others are labeled as invasive and met with resistance?
At first glance, the distinction seems straightforward: anything non-native qualifies as invasive. However, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration clarifies that an invasive species is one “capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats.”
Throughout history, countless species have been transported across the globe, often accompanying human trade and migration. Despite their non-native status, not all of these species are considered harmful or invasive; many have integrated peacefully into new environments.
Expanding the historical lens complicates the concept of "nativeness." While recent introductions, such as pythons in Florida, are widely regarded as harmful, older arrivals like eucalyptus trees in California—introduced from Australia in the 1800s—tend to evoke more acceptance and even sympathy.
Much of the plant and animal life we now see as integral to our local ecosystems may have originally been introduced during the Columbian Exchange.
This vast transfer of species, driven by European exploration and colonialism starting in the late 15th century, reshaped landscapes worldwide and created lasting ecological impacts that continue to define our environments today.
In defense of these species, it’s worth noting that their global spread was not of their own doing. While many birds are naturally migratory, numerous avian species were uprooted from their habitats and transported worldwide to fulfill colonial interests in exotic wildlife.
Similar to other non-native species once kept as pets and later released or escaped, certain bird species have successfully established themselves in unfamiliar habitats. Through remarkable behavioral and genetic adaptations, these birds have managed to survive and thrive.
The concept of "nativeness" becomes even more complex when considering how climate change is reshaping species' potential habitats. Our own species plays a pivotal role, not only in driving the adaptation of wildlife to urban environments but also in fundamentally altering ecological niches.
Scientists suggest that rose-ringed parakeets may have adapted to European climates due to their natural resilience, shaped by exposure to the cold conditions of the Himalayan region. Additionally, the ongoing warming of the Earth has likely facilitated their successful establishment.
The language and attitudes used to describe nonhuman species often reflect similar patterns in how societies view and talk about humans labeled as "others" or "outsiders" within their communities.
In particular, racist and xenophobic rhetoric frequently dehumanizes migrants by referring to them with terms like "vermin" or "invasive insects," drawing troubling parallels between the treatment of displaced people and invasive species.
In Amsterdam, the parakeet migrants have largely been greeted with tolerance and acceptance. Many locals seem unfazed by the birds’ presence, while others view them as an integral part of the city’s character.
In 2008, a statue of 17th-century Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza was unveiled in front of Amsterdam City Hall. Draped in a cloak adorned with rose-ringed parakeets, sparrows, and roses, the statue evokes reflections on cultural diversity and the importance of tolerance toward migrants.
In the Paris region, the sight of vibrant green parakeets is often a delightful surprise for locals and visitors alike. These striking birds have established a thriving population estimated between 10,000 and 20,000 individuals, adding a splash of color to the cityscape.
Known locally as the periquito-de-colar, rose-ringed parakeets have been present in Portugal since the late 1970s. In 2008, their national population was estimated at just 270 individuals. Since then their numbers have steadily grown, with the most recent estimates indicating a population of around 650 parakeets in Lisbon alone.
Despite their charm, rose-ringed parakeets have sparked concerns about their effects on urban living and ecology. Reports from last year revealed that the birds were raising energy costs by damaging insulation in homes and establishments.
London, on the verge of being declared the world’s first "National Park City," stands as a remarkable urban oasis. Nearly half of the city is composed of green spaces, including an impressive array of 35,000 acres of parks, commons, woodlands, wetlands, cemeteries, allotments, and gardens.
London’s expansive green spaces provide rose-ringed parakeets with a diverse range of habitats, offering abundant opportunities for nesting and feeding. These adaptable birds thrive on a variety of food sources, from nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries to the treats generously laid out on bird tables by residents.
Critics argue that parakeets may pose a threat to indigenous wildlife, potentially disrupting ecosystems and competing for resources. Some detractors even liken them to "illegal immigrants" or "invaders," accusing them of aggressively displacing local populations.
Supporters of rose-ringed parakeets celebrate their vibrant presence and view them as examples of successful integration into urban ecosystems. Roelant Jonker, from the urban bird conservation group City Parrots, argues that nature is inherently dynamic and ever-changing.
Jonker notes that many species, such as rabbits, pheasants, and even the European beech tree—introduced by the Romans—are no longer seen as foreign. This perspective underscores the evolving relationship between ecosystems and species, reminding us that change is an essential characteristic of nature.
Experts agree that the ecological implications of rose-ringed parakeets are far from straightforward. While there’s no immediate evidence pointing to an avian apocalypse, ecologists caution that it’s still too early to draw definitive conclusions.
Concerns have been raised about the parakeets’ ability to outcompete garden birds during feeding at bird tables, leveraging their intelligence, speed, and sociability. Additionally, their preference for nesting sites often pits them against “secondary cavity nesters,” such as nuthatches, which rely on abandoned woodpecker holes.
For now, it appears that there is an abundance of food and foliage to sustain both parakeets and native birds. However, when it comes to the dangers faced by native bird species, the primary threat doesn’t stem from parakeets, but from human activities.
Amid the climate crisis and an era defined by mass extinctions, where loss and ecological collapse dominate the narrative, parakeets offer a rare, uplifting story. Their resilience and ability to thrive in urban landscapes serve as a reminder of nature’s adaptability and unexpected success in the face of adversity.
As anthropologist Eben Kirksey highlights, the real challenge is "how to live ethically with those who share the world with us right now." Embracing a more nuanced understanding of the entangled relationships between humans and nonhuman species is the key.
Sources: (The Guardian) (SAPIENS) (Sortir à Paris) (The Portugal News) (City Parrots)
The parakeet phenomenon: how these exotic birds spread across Europe
The parrot invasion spreading across Europe
LIFESTYLE Nature
You might be amazed to find European parks buzzing with vibrant green-feathered birds sporting red beaks and bluish tails. These rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri), originally native to Africa and the Indian subcontinent, have been thriving in cities like Amsterdam, Lisbon, London, and Paris for decades. Easily recognizable by their striking plumage and unique squeaking calls, they’ve become a familiar sight in urban landscapes. Over the years, urban legends have circulated about their origins, including one that claims musician Jimi Hendrix released them in England—an entertaining tale that adds to their mystique.
But how did these parakeets originally spread across Europe, and what are we doing about it? Click through to find out.