Hello my name is Chiku!

Long been kept as a pets, us Indian Ringneck Parakeets were first bred by people in India about 3,000 years ago. We are native to Southern Asia and central Africa, but have proved extremely adaptable and have spread across the globe. Unfortunately, some people decide to release their pet birds into the wild (out a door or window) if they no longer want to care for them (and sometimes they escape on their own). Naturally, they can be found in a variety of habitats including grassland, rainforests, and wetlands, but can also be found in urban centres and even cold, northern environments including London, England. 

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​Did you know that Rose-Ringed Parakeets were the first parrots to be brought to Europe and were kept as pets in Ancient Rome and Greece. Even Socrates is reported to have praised this bird's beauty and talking talent! 

This species of parrot is one of the few that has successfully adapted to living in urbanized habitats and deforestation. Their population numbers are increasing and some scientists think that ongoing habitat degradation has actually created new areas of suitable habitat and helped to boost their numbers. Where these parrots have been introduced (not native to the region) their growing numbers are actually threatening other species, as well as agriculture production. They are considered invasive in Hong Kong, Singapore, Jerusalem, Paris, London, Los Angeles, and some cities in Florida!