A photograph that recently captivated social media users has revealed a surprising secret hidden in plain sight across London. The image, which initially appears to show a tree bursting with unusually bright green foliage, actually contains dozens of small, vibrant green birds perfectly camouflaged among the branches.
From Reddit Riddle to Urban Phenomenon
Shared on Reddit, the puzzling picture left many viewers doing a double-take. What seemed to be leaves were in fact scores of small green parakeets, a sight that is surprisingly common for residents of the capital. These are not rare escapees but part of a thriving, established wild population.
According to Visit London, these birds, identifiable by their green plumage and distinctive orange beaks, were first reported in the city in the mid-19th century. However, their numbers remained low until a significant boom began in the mid-1990s. By 2021, the population in London alone was estimated at a staggering 50,000 individuals, with many more spread across the country, even reaching as far north as Scotland.
Unravelling the Origins of London's Parrots
The origin story of these exotic colonists is shrouded in urban legend. Popular theories suggest they all descend from a pair released by rock legend Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s, or that they escaped from the set of the 1951 film 'The African Queen' in Isleworth, West London.
However, researchers from Queen Mary University of London have concluded that the population likely grew from multiple releases or escapes of pets over many years, rather than one single dramatic event. This gradual accumulation eventually led to a self-sustaining wild colony that has adapted remarkably well to the British climate.
Where to Spot London's Colourful Residents
For those hoping to catch a glimpse, wild parakeets are now a fixture in many of London's green spaces. Kensington Gardens is a renowned hotspot, particularly around the Peter Pan statue, where the birds are so accustomed to people they will often take food from your hand.
Other prime locations include:
- Richmond Park
- Kew Gardens
- Hyde Park
- Brockwell Park
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) states there are approximately 8,600 breeding pairs in the UK. The most common breed is the ring-necked parakeet, named for the dark collar that appears around the necks of males. Populations are concentrated in London and the South East year-round, with birds spreading to the West Midlands and other areas during winter months.
The viral photo sparked amused reactions online, with one Reddit user perfectly capturing the surreal nature of the city's wildlife: "I like that [in] the most iconic urban city in the world, we have parakeets and foxes having gang wars during the evening." This unexpected natural spectacle continues to be one of London's most charming and colourful secrets.
