Dutch debate over new pecking order

THE HAGUE, Netherlands - To their detractors, they're dirty, alien invaders whose incessant chatter ruins Sunday morning lie-ins.

To their supporters, they're beautiful, cheerful reminders of warmer climes amid the winter chill.

Love them or hate them, thousands of rose-ringed parakeets, close relatives of parrots, have made their home in the Netherlands over the past five decades, and their growing presence has become a source of noisy debate.