Malabar Parakeets aka Bluewinged Parakeets, Blue Winged Parakeets
Ringneck / Long-tailed Parakeets ... Ringneck Photo Gallery
The Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides) - also known as the Blue-winged Parakeet - is native to India where it is still fairly common - though their numbers have decreased due to loss of habitat and trapping for the pet trade. The range of this species is less than 50,000 square kilometers and, hence, it is classified as a "restricted-range" species by the IUCN. The chief threat to this species, as in the case of the Alexandrine Parakeet, is poaching for the illegal pet trade.
They are most common in Southwest India, Western Ghats strip south-western India, north to Bombay, south to Kerala. Because the Malabar Parakeet is known to raid crops in some areas and can be injurious to orchards, they are considered pests in some locations.
These parakeets are social birds and live in small groups composed of four to five individuals. On rare occasions they may be observed in small flocks. They are fairly noisy and are often heard before they are seen. They generally make their homes atop tall trees in humid deciduous and evergreen forests.
In their natural environment these birds have been observed eating berries and other fruits such as figs, flowers, leaf buds, pollen, seeds, small nuts, and nectar.
The species probably shares a common ancestor with the Layard's parakeet (Psittacula calthropae) which is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Description:
The average adult Malabar Parakeet measures 15 inches (38 centimeters) in length. The Malabar Parakeet has beautifully colored plumage. The male's overall color is a bluish-gray with a sometimes reddish-pink tint. One of the things that make this bird so striking is the double ring around the neck of the male. The lower ring is a brilliant light blue, while the top ring is more of a greenish dark gray color. They have green feathers in front of their eyes, which extend towards their beaks. The plumage on their heads is bluer in color than the rest of their bodies, though it gets progressively lighter at the top of the head. Above the nares and on the cheeks the blue color is more distinct. They have a striking bright red beak with a bone-colored tip.
The female Malabar Parakeets lack the brilliant blue band around their necks. Males generally have a greener casting to the feathers on their foreheads, and female's heads are gray. The bill of the female is black, as opposed to the brilliantly color bill of the male.
Young / immature parakeets can be distinguished from adults by their orange beaks. They have plumage similar to that of the female, after their first molt they get their adult plumage, and their beaks will change to red for males and black for females.
Breeding and Propagation:
The Malabar Parakeet is not easily bred in captivity. Males are also sometimes aggressive to females. A clutch usually consists of 3 to 4 eggs, which the hen incubates for 23 days. The chicks fledge when they are about 3 weeks old.
In the wild the breeding season of the Malabar Parakeet begins in January and lasts through March. They generally nest in tall trees, taking over the nests of other birds.
Malabar Parakeets as Pets:
The Malabar Parakeets are fairly uncommon in the pet trade. They are reported to be moderately noisy, which is to be expected of most parrots. If you have a wild caught individual, they may be shy at first and will take some time to adjust. Like many parrots they seem to enjoy chewing and will often chew lightly on small branches. They are usually most active in, and suited for, larger aviaries.
These parakeets are reported to do well on a variety of foods, including millet spray, fruit, vegetables, seed mixtures (with minimal sunflower), oats, and millets.
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Ringneck parrots are less demanding than other parrot species, which makes them an excellent choice for someone who wants to "step up" from an easy-going and easy-care cockatiel or budgie.
Consistent training and behavioral guidance from a young age is recommended to ensure potential owners enjoy a bird free of destructive and annoying habits.
Behavioral challenges that ringnecks present include:
- Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined ringnecks may chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach a parrot what is "off-limits."
- Jealousy / Aggression: The ringneck parrots can be jealous of other family members and pets. They can develop a bond with only one human and refuse to interact with other people, even attacking them in some cases. Although this is a small bird it does not seem to believe so, and will attack larger birds and even dogs if it feels it or its human is threatened. Owners should be cautious in multiple-pet homes. Continuing to socialize the hand reared pet bird from a young age and letting many people handle and interact with it can prevent single-person bonding and allow it to become an excellent family pet.
- Noise: Malabar Parakeets are reported to be "moderately noisy." They are not as noisy as their larger cousins; still, not everybody can tolerate the natural call of a ringneck parrot, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching in your pet. Ringnecks are known for their talking and whistling ability, and teaching and encouraging your pet to talk is one way to reduce undesirable screeching in your pet.
Continuous obedience training is recommended ...
- AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:
- Procuring your Parrot
- Click here for a Breeders Listing
- Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.
- Ringnecks love to climb and play and need to be provided with a cage that allows them to move around freely and toys to entertain themselves with. Info on Housing Your Bird
- The 3 Key Elements to Your Pet Bird's Happiness and Health
- Training Your Bird
- Bird Nutrition
- Parrot Products
Ringneck Parrots are generally hardy birds. However, the following diseases have been reported in this species:
- Polyoma
- Sarcocystosis
- Aspergillosis (fungal disease)
- Bacterial infections (pneumonia)
- Hypovitaminosis A
- Psittacosis
Relevant Resources:
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Psittacula columboides ... English: Malabar Parakeet ... Dutch: Malabarparkiet ... German: Taubensittich ... French: Perruche de Malabar
CITES II: Fairly common in aviculture, but endangered in the wild due to loss of habitat
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with the AvianWeb visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the AvianWeb Webmaster.
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