Palestinians catch parakeets to sell at markets in Gaza – in pictures

The birds are sold near the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis

A Palestinian youth carries a cage of trapped parakeets, also known as budgies, near the border fence with Israel, east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, on August 21, 2022, to sell in a bird market in the city. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP via Getty Images)

The birds are trapped to sell at a bird market in Khan Yunis.

A Palestinian holds a trapped 'Psittacula krameri' rose-ringed parakeet.

While native to the Indian subcontinent and Africa, the species – also known as the Indian ringneck parrot – is now found in many parts of the world.

One Palestinian bird trapper passes a cage of captured rose-ringed parakeets to another.

A Palestinian bird trapper looks on as a tethered lure rose-ringed parakeet flaps its wings.

The species is established in many parts of the Middle East, including the UAE, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Iran, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

The raucous parakeet is considered a pest in many areas as it feeds on grain crops. It ranges as far north as northern Europe, including England.

A young Palestinian carries cages of trapped rose-ringed parakeets, near the border fence with Israel, to be sold at the Khan Yunis bird market in the southern Gaza Strip.

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