Flown the Coop: Escapee exotic birds pose problem to native birds

Friday, 2 November 2018

A rainbow lorikeet securely in captivity at the Parrot Place in Kerikeri.

Escapee exotic birds are causing concerns in Northland with fears problem parrots could compete with native species for foods, nesting places and introduce diseases.

Sightings of Indian ring-necked parakeets, rainbow lorikeets and sulphur-crested cockatoos should be reported to the Northland Regional Council as biosecurity manager Don McKenzie appeals to the public to keep the birds in captivity.

The council is aware of at least eight loose birds after escaping from captivity recently.

'They are released from their cages for them to fly back - but that doesn't happen all the time,' McKenzie said.

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Northland Regional Council biosecurity officer Ashlee Lawrence with some Indian ring-necked parakeets. While these are securely contained at the Parrot Place, escapes by birds like this are posing a threat to native birdlife in Northland.

'That's not allowed and it's pretty risky - they survive well in the wild and two parrots can make three.'

While it's legal to keep the exotic birds in captivity, illegal releasing can land owners fines of up to $100,000 or a term of imprisonment of up to five years, if convicted under the Biosecurity Act.

Indian ring-necked parakeets are about 40 centimetres from their head to the tip of their tail and can be green, yellow, grey or blue, while rainbow lorikeets have a distinctive blue head and belly and a red/orange breast.

Sulphur-crested cockatoos are large white birds featuring distinctive yellow crest feathers.

McKenzie said the council hasn't taken legal action in the past, but is appealing to bird owners to keep them caged.

'They can damage fruit and cereal crops and compete with native birds like kakariki,' McKenzie said.

'We don't want them to compromise the great work of community groups doing work to kill rats and possums to protect kiwi and other bird life - these birds will put native wildlife at risk.'

Lorikeets, parakeets and cockatoos are commonly held in captivity. Indian ring neck parakeets established a wild population in Paeroa after escaping in 2016.

'Clipping their wings is recommended as a precaution and pet owners who no longer want the birds should contact a local bird club or pet store to rehome them.

'These birds are good breeders and can establish populations quite quickly.'

Report sightings to the regional council on 0800 002 004.