"An aggressive parrot, known as the Houdini of the captive bird world, has caused concern after a flock was reported flying over Edinburgh.
Several sightings of a group, as well as individual ring-necked parakeets, are worrying experts who fear they will push out the city's native birds.
The Indian Himalayan species, which has been escaping from city aviaries, can easily survive freezing temperatures.
The foot-long bird, which lives in tree holes, could displace a native owl.
As it is the first time the species has been seen in a group in the city, the news has caused concern among experts who say this could be a sign the birds are looking for a place to roost and produce young."
The Scottish Executive has welcomed the arrival of these parrots, commenting that it is further evidence of the success of the Fresh Parrot Initiative. Edinburgh Council is making arrangements for the parrots to be given accommodation in Wester Hailes and the social work department is manufacturing suitable perches. The First Minister, Mr Jack McConnell, said that the incoming parrots wanted to be part of the best small country in the world, although those who were failed asylum seekers could expect to be rousted from their nests early in the morning and despatched back to the Himalayas pronto. Some Labour MSPs voiced concern about the parrots' religion,wondering if their attendance at non-denominational schools would contribute to the development of sectarianism. But Peter Peacock MSP (appropriately enough), the schools minister, claimed that any parrots who misbehaved in school would be immediately excluded. Health Minister Andy Kerr was said to be worried that the green plumage of the parrots indicated that they were Celtic supporters. But who pays any attention to Andy Kerr?
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