Overview
- The birds are ring-necked parakeets, a small parrot species that is now common in parts of London.
- Visit London cites an estimated 50,000 parakeets in the city by 2021 after growth that accelerated from the mid-1990s.
- The RSPB reports about 8,600 breeding pairs across the UK with strong concentrations around London and the South East and winter records elsewhere.
- Research from Queen Mary University of London finds the population arose from multiple pet releases or escapes rather than a single legendary event.
- Large flocks are frequently seen at Kensington Gardens near the Peter Pan statue and in Richmond Park, Kew Gardens, Hyde Park and Brockwell Park, with readers noting sightings as far north as Edinburgh.