Britain's beloved robins, a cheerful sight in winter gardens, are being driven away from feeders by an increasingly common bully: the ring-necked parakeet.
These bright green, invasive birds are notorious for aggressively taking over food sources, forcing out smaller native species. Once they discover a reliable feeder, they quickly dominate it.
Why Parakeets Are A Problem For Robins
Richard Green, a bird feeding expert from Kennedy Wild Bird Food and Pet Supplies, has issued a stark warning. He states that once parakeets find a food source, 'they take over fast'.
He explained their pattern of behaviour: 'They commonly arrive in small numbers at first, then build into flocks that push out smaller birds and damage feeders with their powerful beaks.' This leaves timid birds like robins with little chance to feed.
Humane Solutions To Deter Dominant Birds
Fortunately, there are several effective and kind methods to make your garden less appealing to parakeets while still welcoming robins.
Change the bird food you offer. Richard Green advises that if your garden provides peanuts or sunflower seeds, parakeets will persistently return. A simple switch to niger seed, millet, or suet products will cause most parakeets to lose interest quickly.
Install physical barriers. Domes and baffles are highly useful as they make it difficult for larger birds to land and access the food. While often marketed for squirrel control, these devices are equally effective against parakeets when combined with thoughtful feeder placement.
Choosing The Right Bird Feeder
Not all feeders are created equal when it comes to excluding parakeets. Standard caged feeders offer only partial protection, as parakeets can use their long necks to reach through the bars.
The most dependable solution is a weight-activated feeder. Richard Green elaborates: 'These feeders automatically shut when anything heavier than a small songbird lands on them, preventing parakeets, starlings, squirrels and even rats from emptying the food.'
Specialists at Vine House Farm concur, recommending a combination of caged hanging feeders, large squirrel busters, and ground guards to allow smaller, welcome garden birds to feed in peace.
With parakeets officially classed as an invasive non-native species and increasing concerns about the pressure they put on native wildlife, taking these simple steps can make a significant difference in protecting the robins in your garden.
