Ring-necked Parakeets - how exactly did they get here?

[Deb London]

Does anyone actually know or have a best guess as to how Ring-necked Parakeets were introduced here in the UK? I have read about three events that may have caused their release into the wild, with dates ranging from 1951 to the eighties. I would have thought that the date of introduction must be known (roughly) at least. They are not exactly difficult to spot.

Thanks in advance.

[pressld2]

The popular answer is that they were used for a film - The African Queen? - shot at Ealing studios and deliberately released when no longer needed. No idea if that's true though.

According to DEFRA:

"There is a long history of occurrence in GB, with a first record of breeding in Norfolk in 1855. However, the present naturalised population dates only from 1969.

The origin of the population is the pet trade and both the accidental and the deliberate release of birds from captivity."

Dave P.

[Deb London]

Ah, thanks Dave, so probably not to do with film studios and the African Queen. Nice to finally put that idea to rest.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Ah, thanks Dave, so probably not to do with film studios and the African Queen. Nice to finally put that idea to rest.

That is still often quoted as one source, but the truth is nobody really knows the true origins, though many sources over time are likely. Until relatively recently most birders didn't take too much notice of escapees. The first confirmed breeding records for the LNHS area were in 1971. though there records in the 19th century in Norfolk.

I think the first birds I saw were in Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith where c30 birds roosted + remember going to look for them at Wraysbury where there was another roost.

Unless there is a big eradication scheme, which I think is unlikely given the scale + expense as well as much public opposition, they are here to stay. Another 3 species of parrot have also successfully bred in the London area, with Monk Parakeet establishing at least a couple of sustainable populations, though these may be prevented from flourishing.

[Deb London]

Thanks aeshna5. And yes, it seems like they are here to stay.

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Another 3 species of parrot have also successfully bred in the London area, with Monk Parakeet establishing at least a couple of sustainable populations, though these may be prevented from flourishing.

London will be a tropical paradise in no time


Maybe it from when India became independent back in the late 40's that the birds decided to come over?

Nige

[Shrike]

Originally Posted by htcdude

London will be a tropical paradise in no time


Maybe it from when India became independent back in the late 40's that the birds decided to come over?

Nige

or maybe they had no choice in the matter

[thewoose]

I heard that Jimi Hendrix released a pair on Carnaby Street in 1967, and all are descended from those two....

I'd love that to be true.

[Deb London]

Yes, I heard that.

[Tringa]

The idea of birds released after the filming of the African Queen is attractive but that would pre-date the suggested date of 1969 by quite a bit.

However, the English filming of the African Queen was at Shepperton Studios which are not that far from Harlequins RC and Esher RC, both of which, IIRC, were close to large roosts of parakeets 20+ years ago.

Though I think that there would have been many more by now if they had been released around 1951.

Dave