Brussels Explained: Camilla Dreef

Where do all the exotic ring-necked parakeets in Brussels come from?

The Brussels-Capital Region has seen a rising number of exotic ring-necked parakeets in the city, currently estimated at around 12,000. But Brussels is not the only city in the Low Countries where the numbers of these bird species has increased over the last couple of years. Where do these parakeets come from and what is their natural habitat? How do they live and why do they prefer cities? Do they have enemies and are these parakeets a threat to indigenous birds? A presentation by Dutch ornithologist Camilla Dreef, followed by a conversation with Selma Franssen.