Rose-ringed Parakeets
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The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) - also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet - is endemic to Northern and West Africa in Guinea, Senegal and southern Mauretania east to western Uganda and southern Sudan; as well as Southern Asia (depending on the sub-species).
This gregarious tropical parakeet is popular in the pet industry.
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Four subspecies are recognized:
- African subspecies:
- African Rose-ringed Parakeet (P. krameri krameri) - as described on this page. Distribution: West Africa in Guinea, Senegal and southern Mauretania, east to Western Uganda and Southern Sudan.
- Abyssinian Rose-ringed Parakeet (P. krameri parvirostris): Northwest Somalia, west across northern Ethiopia to Sennar district, Sudan.
- Asian subspecies:
- Indian Rose-ringed Parakeet (P. krameri manillensis): Originated from the southern Indian subcontinent; introduced populations worldwide.
- Neumann's Rose-ringed Parakeet (P. krameri borealis): East Pakistan, northern India and Nepal to central; introduced populations worldwide in localities.
A phylogenetic analysis using DNA showed that the Mauritius Parakeet (Psittacula echo) is closely related to this species, and probably needs to be placed between the African and Asian subspecies. Consequently, this species is paraphyletic.
The plumage of the original color (not including the mutations) is generally green. The face, abdomen and under wing-coverts are yellowish-green. The nape and the back of the head is variably washed with blue. There is a broad chin / cheek-stripe and a black narrow line from cere to eye. There is a narrow pink band to nape. The upperside of the middle tail-feathers are blue with greenish-yellow tips. The outer feathers are green. The underside of outer tail-feathers are olive-yellowish. The middle feathers are blackish. The bill is blackish-red with black tips. The irises are yellowish-white and the feet are greenish-grey.
Female lack the black stripe to the cheek and pink band to the nape. The nape is variably washed with blue and the middle tail-feathers on average shorter.
Immatures look like females, but they have a pale pink bill. Their irises are grey-white. The adult plumage starts to appear at 18 months, and is usually completed by 32 months.
Length, including Tail Feathers:
- The African Rose-ringed Parakeet measures about 40 centimeter or 15.7 inches in length. The tail accounts for a large portion of the length.
- The Abyssinian Rose-ringed Parakeet measures approx. 40 centimeter or 15.7 inches in length.
- The Indian Rose-ringed Parakeet measures approx. 42 centimeter or 16.5 inches
- The Neumann's Rose-ringed Parakeet measures approx. 43 centimeter or 16.9 inches
The Rose-ringed Parakeet has established feral populations in India and a number of European cities. There are also apparently stable populations in the USA in Florida and California. There also a small but sizeable population of Rose-ringed Parakeets in Tehran, Iran mostly concentrated in the northern parts of city.
The Indian subspecies established itself in Britain during the mid to late 20th Century from introduced and escaped birds. There are two main population centers: the largest is based around south London, Surrey and Berkshire, and by 2005 consisted of many thousands of birds. A smaller population occurs around Margate and Ramsgate, Kent. Elsewhere in Britain, smaller feral populations have established from time to time (e.g., at Studland, Dorset).
However, in some parts of South Asia - from where the Rose-ringed Parakeets originated, populations of these birds are decreasing due to trapping for the pet trade. Despite some people's attempts to revive their population by freeing these birds from local markets, the Rose-ringed Parakeet's population has dropped drastically in many areas of the Indian subcontinent.
These birds where first bred by the people of India at least 3,000 years ago, and color mutations of Rose-ringed parakeets were also bred. The royals prized them as pets and for their ability to speak. It was a popular status symbol in Indian culture to have a Rose-ringed parakeet. They were the first parrots brought to Europe and the Greeks were the first Europeans to breed them. Socrates had one and wrote a description of the birds beauty and ability to speak. The Romans then bred them for pets, and their beauty in their aviaries. In the 1920's aviculturists, the popularity of the breed began to increase greatly. Now widely available in the pet trade, Rose-ringed Parakeets continue to gain popularity. Hand-fed Rose-ringed Parakeets are regarded as excellent pets if provided with daily attention, though even parent-raised Rose-ringed Parakeets make good pets when provided with regular handling and attention. They are generally family birds and are less likely to bond to only one person. With adequate attention, handling, and love, a Rose-ringed Parakeet can quickly become a beloved companion.
Rose-ringed Parakeets are known to be hardy birds requiring less interaction than most other parakeets of their size. This makes them ideal for a bird owner who cannot spend as much time with his/her bird as other species need. Rose-ringed Parakeets can cope with as little as half an hour of interaction a day. However, they can become untame if not provided with daily interaction, especially during their early months.
They require a relatively tall cage because of their long tails. A Rose-ringed Parakeet who will be spending most of his/her day inside the cage should be kept in a cage about 60 cm (24") wide x 45 cm (18") deep x 90 cm (36") high, though the larger the better, and the bar spacing should be between 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) and 1.875 cm (3/4 inch). Rose-ringed Parakeets are avid chewers and climbers and should therefore be provided with chewing toys in their cages. The cages should be in a place out of direct sunlight and free of drafts. A pet or captive Rose-ringed Parakeet should be kept in a bird-safe environment.
Captive Rose-ringed Parakeets should be fed a nutritionally balanced diet of pellets* and unfortified / ogranic seeds, and the appreciated fruit, vegetable or nut treat should also be offered often. They should always have access to fresh water in their cages. *Please note: When feeding pellets to your pet, please be aware of the fact that overly feeding citrus fruits (including oranges) or vitamin-C-rich foods to your birds can lead to "Iron Overload Disease" as vitamin C increases the amount of iron absorbed from foods and supplements.
The Rose-ringed Parakeet is considered one of the best talking parakeets and can learn a vocabulary of up to 250 words. In captivity, many mutations have been bred, including the common green, blue, grey and lutino among many other colors. The average clutch size consists of 3 to 6 eggs which are incubated for about 23 days.
Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org - and has been added information by Avianweb.
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: They can be noisy - albeit not as noisy as their larger cousins. 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:
Diet
In the wild, Rose-ringed Parakeets usually feed on buds, fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries and seeds.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Psittacula krameri krameri aka Palaeornis docilis ... English: Rose-ringed Parakeet, African Ring-necked Parakeet ... Dutch: Rose Halsbandparkiet, Afrikaanse Halsbandparkiet ... German: Afrikanischer Halsbandsittich ... French: Perruche à bande rose
CITES II - Endangered Species
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