Neil Phillips
About
A medium-sized green parakeet, the ring-necked parakeet is the UK's only naturalised parrot and the most northerly breeding parrot in the world. Ring-necked parakeets nest in holes in trees in gardens and parkland and are often found in flocks of hundreds of birds at roosting sites where they are very noisy. They eat nuts, seeds, berries and fruits.
How to identify
Unmistakable green parrot, although other species of parrot do sometimes escape. Very long, narrow tail and a bright red bill. Males have a black throat and a thin black and pink collar.
Where to find it
Found in south-east England, particularly around south and west London. Occasionally found elsewhere, usually as an escapee from captivity.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
How can people help
Ring-necked parakeets are originally from Africa and southern Asia and were kept as pets in Britain. They escaped into the wild, however, and have become naturalised in the south-east especially, aided by warmer winters. As the effects of climate change take hold it is likely that other species will also expand their range into areas of the UK they wouldn't normally inhabit. The Wildlife Trusts are working with researchers, scientists and other conservationists to monitor changes in our wildlife in order to be able to react to the adverse effects of climate change. You can help: volunteer for your local Trust and you'll be able to monitor populations and survey habitats, adding to a growing bank of data on the effects of climate change.