FLIGHT OF FANCY

The exotic birds living in Liverpool's parks

- By MORGAN KING ECHO Correspondent

A SPECIES of tropical bird has been sighted in increasing numbers in Liverpool parks and campuses, leading researchers to conclude that a long-term local population is now viable.

The ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is a medium-sized member of the parrot family from northern Africa and the Indian subcontinent, and can be identified by its bright green plumage and red beak.

The birds have a wide range and will often fly several miles to forage for nuts, grains, and fruits.

Eagle-eyed walkers will have noticed the exotic birds, which have settled in parks around the city. Their loud, screeching calls are liable to give away the birds' presence before they are seen.

The ECHO found parakeets in Sefton Park, while The Anfield Wrap contributor John Gibbons shared pictures on X of two of the birds perched in a tree in Clarke Gardens.

We spoke to Dr Ross MacLeod, senior lecturer in behavioural ecology at Liverpool John Moores University, to understand more about why parakeets are settling in Liverpool and their potential impact on native species.