Britain's native bird populations are suffering - and here's the reason why

The number of parakeets in the UK is soaring, while native species are in decline

BY ROBERT FIRTH

16:15, 27 AUG 2017

Parakeets are on the up and up in Britain, with the population here rising by 1,455% in two decades.

The tropical bird is booming while many native birds suffer.

There are 15 times more ring-necked parakeets in the UK than in 1995, says the annual Breeding Bird Survey.

The parrots have been a popular pet since the Victorian era, but have only bred in the wild since the late-1960s, learning to cope with our cold winters.

Many British birds are doing less well, with willow tits down 80% and marsh tits by 41%.

Continued