Amateur ornithologists in urban areas of India may be interested to know that there is a large population of parrots in the heart of New York City – in Brooklyn to be exact. There is also a dedicated group of bird watchers known as the Brooklyn Parrot Society which keeps tracks of these birds and plays a big role in protecting them from the destructive activities of the most destructive species on Planet Earth – humans. They also run a website and blog which you may visit for more information and for keeping track of the activities of the Brooklyn parrots and the people who protect them.

Apparently these birds were originally from Argentina and are escapees from a container at the John F Kennedy airport. Their ranks have been replenished by unauthorised releases from pet shops and they have become accomplished city dwellers.

There are many interesting species of birds including parrots which despite living in the wild can be found in urban Indian environments, and even in the heart of Kolkata. Just yesterday, for example I saw a group of bee-eaters in my locality and I have identified some 24 other species in our area including three different species of Kingfishers, Orioles, white breasted water hens, magpie robins and a few more. If anyone is interested in joining hands with me for setting up a club on urban avian fauna, specifically Kolkata birds, please do put in your comments here and I will get in touch with you. In case there is already such a club or society, please do let me know.