Parrots in Brussels

I've always said we enjoy a balmy climate here in Brussels but hadn't expected this tropical visitor. These parrots are such a colourful sight, especially on a snowy day like today. Luckily I had my 200mm lens with me. 

He looks like he's wearing a top hat

Apparently they're Rose-necked Parakeets (sometimes called Ring-necked Parakeets). There are 5,000 breeding pairs in Brussels. They've been in the city since 1974 when the owner of an amusement park released a flock to brighten up the town. They have thrived on the nuts in bird-feeders - soon everybody wanted a parrot in their garden.

Rose-necked parakeets on the Avenue Louise

Some people claim the parakeets are a pest and harmful to the native birds. I'd certainly rather see a flock of these than a mangy pack of pecking pigeons.