A seemingly ordinary photograph of a leafy tree in London has taken the internet by storm, revealing a secret that many residents know well but continues to astonish outsiders. The image, shared on Reddit, initially appears to show a tree adorned with vibrant green foliage. However, a closer look uncovers the incredible truth: the 'leaves' are actually dozens of small, bright green parakeets roosting together.
The Capital's Colourful Colonists
These eye-catching birds, with their distinctive green plumage and orange beaks, are a common sight across parts of London. According to Visit London, reports of these exotic parrots in the city date back to the mid-1800s, but their numbers only began to swell significantly from the mid-1990s onwards. By 2021, the population in London alone was estimated at around 50,000, with many more spread across the UK, reaching as far north as Scotland.
The origin of London's parakeet population is shrouded in urban legend. Popular theories suggest they all descend from a pair released by legendary rock star Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s, or that they escaped from the set of the 1951 film 'The African Queen', which was shot in Isleworth, West London. However, research from Queen Mary University of London indicates the truth is less cinematic. Scientists believe the wild population established itself not from one single event, but from numerous pet birds being released or escaping over many years, eventually breeding successfully in the wild.
Where to Spot London's Wild Parrots
For those hoping to catch a glimpse, these feral parakeets can be seen throughout the capital. They are most numerous in several of London's major parks and gardens. Kensington Gardens is a particular hotspot, where birds near the Peter Pan statue have become accustomed to humans and may even take food from your hand. Other reliable locations include:
- Richmond Park
- Kew Gardens
- Hyde Park
- Brockwell Park
The most common breed is the ring-necked parakeet, named for the dark band around its neck. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) estimates there are 8,600 breeding pairs in the UK, with populations centred on London year-round, as well as in the wider South East and the West Midlands.
A Quirky Fixture of City Life
The revelation of the 'tree of birds' prompted a wave of reactions online. One Reddit user quipped about the birds' origins, while another shared their surprise upon moving to the UK: "I figured it was someone’s pet so I checked local Facebook groups... nope we just have wild parakeets here I guess." Others noted their expanding range across Western Europe, a change visible within a single lifetime.
This phenomenon highlights the unexpected biodiversity thriving within one of the world's busiest urban centres. As one Londoner humorously put it, the city evenings now feature "parakeets and foxes having gang wars." The story of London's parakeets is a testament to how nature can adapt and flourish in the most surprising places, turning an urban legend into a daily reality for millions of Londoners.
