Rose-ringed parakeet

   ›      ›   Rose-ringed parakeet - Psittacula krameri

The rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) belongs to the family of parakeets, Psittaculidae. These parakeet species are naturally distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, South China, northcentral Africa and Afghanistan. Introduced and established populations are found worldwide. In some regions they are considered as pests or invasive species. There are four recognized subspecies of rose-ringed parakeet.

Taxonomy of Rose-ringed parakeet

  • Scientific Name: Psittacula krameri
  • Common Name: Rose-ringed parakeet
  • French: Perruche à collie;r German: Halsbandsittich; Spanish: Cotorra de Kramer;
  • Other names: ring-necked parakeet; Psittacus krameri Scopoli, 1769;
  • Family: Psittaculidae › Psittaciformes › Aves › Chordata › Animalia
  • Species author: (Scopoli, 1769)
The four recognized subspecies of Psittacula krameri are: P. k. manillensis (Bechstein, 1800), P. k. borealis (Neumann, 1915), P. k. parvirostris (Souancé, 1856) and P. k. krameri (Scopoli, 1769). Earlier, Psittacula krameri was considered conspecific with P. eques (echo parakeet or Mauritius parakeet). The term 'krameri' commemorates the Austrian naturalist Wilhelm Heinrich Kramer.

Description

The rose-ringed parakeet is a small bird, measuring 35 to 45 cm in length and weighing 100 to 150 grams. The overall plumage is yellowish green. These birds are sexually dimorphic. The adult male has a rose and black neck ring and the female has a very pale gray ring. The upper mandible is curved, strong, red in color with black or pale yellow tip. The lower mandible is grayish. There is a black patch on the chin. The irises are yellowish-white. The feet are gray. Numerous color mutations have occurred while breeding in captivity. Their call is a squawking sound.
Indian birds - Rose-ringed parakeet - Psittacula krameri
Birds of India - Rose-ringed parakeet - Psittacula krameri
Birds of India - Rose-ringed parakeet - Psittacula krameri
Indian birds - Rose-ringed parakeet - Psittacula krameri
Indian birds - Rose-ringed parakeet - Psittacula krameri
Birds of India - Rose-ringed parakeet - Psittacula krameri

Distribution

The Psittacula krameri subspecies P. k. manillensis (Indian rose-ringed parakeet) is distributed in peninsular India and Sri Lanka. The subspecies P. k. borealis (Boreal rose-ringed parakeet) is distributed in Afghanistan, Pakistan, north India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and south China. The subspecies P. k. parvirostris (Abyssinian rose-ringed parakeet) is distributed in Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti. The subspecies P. k. krameri (African rose-ringed parakeet) is distributed in Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Sudan and Uganda.

Ecosystem and habitat

The ecosystem includes open and semi-open environments. These parakeet species inhabit deciduous jungles, semi-deserts and light secondary jungles. They have successfully adapted to living in disturbed habitats and urban and suburban areas.

Diet and feeding habits

The diet of these parakeet species mostly consists of fruits, berries, vegetables, flowers, buds, tender leaves, shoots, nuts, seeds, cereals, berries, pigeon peas and grains.

Reproduction and breeding

These parakeet species breed during winter months in India. Monogamous seasonal bonds are made during the breeding season. They nest in tree holes. Both the parents care for their young.

Movement and migration patterns

These species are non-migratory and are resident birds. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Conservation status and concerns

The global population size of these parakeets has not been quantified. The overall population trend is considered to be on the increase. It has extremely large range and hence considered not "Vulnerable" to extinction. The introduced populations are becoming major agricultural pests and may affect native biodiversity and human economy and wellness.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated these rose-ringed parakeet species and has listed them as of "Least Concern".

Biological classification of Psittacula krameri
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Psittaciformes
Family:Psittaculidae
Subfamily:-
Genus:Psittacula
Species:P. krameri
Binomial name:Psittacula krameri
Distribution:Indian subcontinent, northcentral Africa and Myanmar;
Diet and feeding habits:fruits, buds, shoots, flowers, seeds, grains and nuts;
IUCN status listing:
Least Concern

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