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)
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. |
| Birds of India - 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 |
Image author: Dennis Jarvis | License: CC BY-SA 2.0
2.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rose-ringed_Parakeet_eating_leaves.JPG
Image author: JayDalal5 | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
3.Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rose-ringed_Parakeet_(Psittacula_krameri)_at_nest_in_Narshapur,_AP_W_IMG_0728.jpg
Image author: J.M.Garg | License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Current topic in Birds of India: Rose-ringed parakeet - Psittacula krameri.