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Psittacula Parrots

Ringneck Babies Peer from nest
Plum-headed parakeetRose-ringed ParakeetLord Derby's ParakeetRed-breasted Parakeet
Layard's ParakeetBlue-winged ParakeetLong-tailed parakeetSlaty-headed Parakeet

Psittacula parakeets, often referred to as ring-necked parakeets, are some of the most elegant of all the parrots.

There are 14 species of Psittacula parakeets and many subspecies. The colorations and markings vary between the species but they all share the common characteristics of a sleek body shape, long tapered tails, orange to red colored beaks, vividly colored heads and unique neck markings. The males and female birds are easily differentiated from each other. The male of the species has a brightly colored head and a distinctive black ring around his neck. The female has paler colored feathers and either no ring or a very light colored ring.

Two of the most common species kept as pets are the Alexandrine Parakeet and the Rose-Ringed Parakeet. These birds are very good talkers and they are described as intelligent, outgoing and independent. They require one on one interaction to form strong bonds, and if properly socialized, enjoy interacting with their human flock. Ring-neck parakeets are not physically needy birds and not as cuddly as some parrot species.

Ring-necks are avid chewers and must be provided with safe, destructible wood toys to satisfy this instinct.

Rose-ringed Parakeet

ringneck map

Psittacula parakeets originate from an area ranging from Africa to South-East Asia and the islands of the Indian Ocean.

The ring-necked parakeets habitat is mostly forest and open woodlands preferentially near cultivated farmlands and orchards.

They are often observed in small flocks but join into much larger flocks where food is plentiful.

The ring-necks diet is largely fruit, vegetables, seed, nuts, blossoms and farm crops. They are known to cause extensive damage to those crops and are therefore considered as agricultural pests.

 

Listen to Alexandrine Parakeets in the wild:

View a video of an Indian Ringneck digging a nest hole:

 
Psittacula eupatria
  © 2015 Cornell University

To see more pictures and obtain information about various Psittacula species click on the links below:

Life Span:

35 - 40 yrs.

Length:

13 - 23"

Weight:

90 - 250 grams

  • One of the first parrot species recorded in history was the Alexandrine parakeet which was named after Alexander the Great who exported this bird to Europe and the Mediterranean region.
  • Alexandrine Parakeets were considered to be prized possessions of the royalty.
  • Aristotle referred to Psittacula parrots in his writings.
  • Ancient Romans kept Indian Ring-neck parrots as pets.
  • Non-native feral populations of ring-necked parakeets have also been established in a number of European cities as well as Florida and California as the result of escaped birds.
  • It is reported that over 50,000 Indian Ring-necked parakeets populate England. Due to their destructive nature towards crops the government has declared they can be shot without seeking permission.
  • It is estimated that there are as many as 50,000 naturalized Ring-necked Parakeets in England. Britain has officially named this bird as a pest and allows them to be shot by farmers without requiring a license.
  • The Indian parakeet is a recurring theme in Indian mythology and folktales. In many south Indian temples, the Goddess holds a parrot in her hand.
  • These parrots are also used in India by astrologers to predict the future. The caged parrots are taught to pick cards which are then used to tell someone's fortune.
  • Do a jigsaw puzzle of a Ring-necked Parakeet.
  • Take a quiz about Psittacula Parakeets.
  • Print a Ring-necked Parakeet coloring page.
  • Iran, Thailand and Mongolia have all issued stamps picturing Alexandrines:
stamp Ringneck stamp Ringneck2 stamp Ringneck3

(source: bird-stamps.org)

  • Check out this fun video of an Alexandrine performing tricks:
  • Watch an adorable video of a bunny loving ringneck! 

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