Wildlife experts have called for a group of feral parakeets in Dublin to be captured before the bird population gets out of control.
BirdWatch Ireland spokesperson Niall Hatch said it is not known how many parakeets are in the wild but it is believed to be a couple of dozen.
Mr Hatch said the parakeets are mainly concentrated around the Drumcondra and Fairview areas.
However, he added BirdWatch Ireland had reports of single parakeets in other parts of the country.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the birds are likely pets that have escaped.
Rose-ringed or ring-necked parakeets are bright green with a long tail and are about the size of a magpie.
The birds are native to Africa and Asia and there are concerns the parakeets will force Irish species out of their natural habitats and cause damage to fruit trees.
The NPWS said parakeets are not listed as an invasive alien species in Ireland or the European Union, however, they are considered to be an invasive species when outside of their natural breeding range.
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Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Hatch said: "We're into a narrow window of time still where they could be captured and the spread could be prevented.
"Because as a non-native species, it isn't good news if they start spreading here."
Mr Hatch said the birds can be difficult birds to catch, however, he added "it should be possible with minimal investment to catch them".
He added the birds should not be harmed when being recaptured.
