Bright green, loud and unmistakable, rose-ringed parakeets have become one of the most recognisable birds in London's parks and gardens, despite having no natural historical presence anywhere in Britain. The species, native to parts of Africa and South Asia, was first confirmed breeding in the wild in Britain in 1969, with earlier isolated sightings recorded going back decades further. From that small initial toehold in the southeast of England, the population has grown into a firmly established feature of urban and suburban British bird life, now estimated in the tens of thousands and continuing to expand well beyond London into other parts of the country. Despite their exotic origins, these birds have adapted so successfully to Britain's climate and urban landscape that many residents now consider their bright green flashes and raucous calls simply another familiar part of everyday city life.
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