The Indian Ringneck Parrot or Parakeet is also sometimes referred to as Rose-ringed Parakeet or, simply, Ring-necked Parakeet. The Indian parrot’s lifespan is 15 years. However, some live as long as 25 – 30 years.
Overview … Global Names (scroll down)
Distribution / Range … Description
Diet / Feeding … Common Health Problems
Nesting / Breeding … Aviculture / Captive Breeding
The Indian Ringneck Parrot or Parakeet (Psittacula krameri manillensis – Bechstein, 1800) – is also sometimes referred to as Rose-ringed Parakeet or, simply, Ring-necked Parakeet.
Their average lifespan is 15 years. However, some live as long as 25 – 30 years.
Global Names
Afrikaans: Ringnekparkiet … Chinese: ?????, ????? … Dutch: Halsbandparkiet … Estonian: kaeluspapagoi … Finnish: kauluskaija … French: Perruche à collier, Perruche de Kramer, Perruche verte à collier … German: Halsbandsittich … Greek: ???????? ?????????t … Irish: Pearaicít mhuinceach … Italian: Parrocchetto dal collare, Rocchetto dal collare … Japanese: honseiinko, wakakehonseiinko, Wakake-honsei-inko … Norwegian: Halsbåndparakitt … Polish: aleksandretta obrozna … Portuguese: Periquito-de-colar … Russian: ????????? ????????? ???????, ?????????? ??????? ??????? … Slovak:Ladniak Kramerov … Slovenian: ovratniški papagaj, ovratniški papagajcek … Spanish: Cotorra de Kramer, Cotorra Verde de Collar, Periquito de Collar, Periquito de Kramer … Swedish: Halsbandsparakit … Turkish: Ye?il papa?an, Ye?ilpapa?an … Vietnamese: V?t c? h?ng
Overview
OverviewThe Indian Ring-necked Parakeet originates from southern India. Its closest cousin – the African Ringneck Parakeet – is found in West Africa to Southern Sudan.
It is one of four recognized subspecies of Ring-necked Parakeets – and is the most commonly kept in captivity.
These elegant and beautiful birds can make good pets for pet owners who are willing to provide ongoing obedience training.
If not given sufficient attention, the Indian Ring Neck may become unfriendly and disobedient. In order to maintain their friendly personalities and tameness, regular handling and socialization are a must for these birds.
The plumage of the Indian Ring Neck is apple green, although mutations in a range of other colors also exist. This includes buttercup yellow and the increasingly popular powder blue.
(The above information has kindly been provided by Dr. Rob Marshall, Avian Vet – http://www.birdhealth.com.au) – with some additional information added by Avianweb. Talking Ability (compared to other species)
Distribution / Range
Indian Ringnecks originated in Sri Lanka. Their extensive native range now includes Pamban or Rameswaram Island (an island located between India and Sri Lanka), the Indian sub-continent, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, as well as the Burmese region to Cochinchina (the southern third of Vietnam. They are common throughout most of their natural range
Introduced (feral) populations exist worldwide:
- United States: Florida, California and Hawaii
- South America
- Europe:
- United Kingdom – the largest numbers are found around south London, with populations occurring in or around Battersea Park, Richmond Park, and Hampstead Heath. Smaller flocks occur in Esher (South East England in the Greater London Urban Area), and Berkshire (South England); as well as Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, Kent. Small groups are occasionally seen in Dorset, Kensington Gardens (London), South Manchester and Studland).
- Belgium, Spain, Canary Islands, etc.
- Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague
- Belgium: Brussels
- Germany: Occur along the Rhine in major urban areas, such as Cologne, Bonn, Ludwigshafen, and Heidelberg and Wiesbaden. Also in northeastern Hamburg
- France: Around Paris
- Italy: Rome (in the gardens of the Palatine Hill and at Villa Borghese)
- Spain: Barcelona
- Africa: Tunis – the capital of Tunisia (the northernmost country in Africa); South Africa
- Middle East: Iran (mostly in northern Tehran); Lebanon, Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman
- Japan: Hundreds of escaped pets established themselves in southwestern Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa, Aichi, Kyoto, Hiroshima Prefecture, Niigata, Tochigi, Saitama, Shizuoka, Gifu, Osaka, Ehime, Saga and Miyazaki Prefecture
- Australia
Habitat
They originally lived in semi-desert, wooded or forested areas; but have also adapted well to human-modified habitats, such as farmlands, cultivated agricultural areas and parks and gardens in villages and towns.
The social Indian Ringnecks often congregate in large, noisy flocks at favorite roosting sites. Like all parrots, they are noisiest in the mornings and evenings.
Description
The Indian Ringneck Parakeet is a medium-sized parrot that measures between 14 – 17 inches (36 – 43 cm) in length – about half of which are the long tail feathers alone. The wings are 6 – 7 inches (153 – 180 mm) long. They weigh between 4 – 5 oz (115 – 140 grams).
This parakeet has a long tail and a hooked beak. The upper beak is orangey-red with a black tip; the lower bill is blackish with a paler tip. The irises are pale yellow. The legs and feet are ashy-slate to greenish-slate.
The original plumage coloration (and the color mostly found in the wild within their natural range) is green with a yellowish or bluish-grey hue to the lighter-colored under plumage. The nape (back of a bird’s neck) shows a blue suffusion that can at times extend to the back of the head. The outer tail feathers are green. The blue central tail feathers have yellowish-green tips. There is a black stripe running through the chin area.
Thirty or more striking and beautiful color varieties have been bred in captivity, such as lutino (yellow) and blue varieties, albinos, violets, olives and pieds.
(Please refer to the photos on this webpage).
Gender ID:
Males and females look mostly alike; however, mature males (excepting some of the color mutations) can be identified by the ring around the neck, which consists of a thin black band that runs from the above the bill to the eyes and a wider black band that extends from the lower bill, getting thinner on the sides of the neck where it combines with the rose-pink collar that stretches over the back of the neck. In Blue-mutation males, the rose-pink collar is replaced by white.
The female generally doesn’t have the black line on the chin or throat, or the rose-colored band; however, a very pale ring might occur.
Surgical or DNA gender testing is recommended for younger birds or mutation birds that don’t show the tell-tale ring around the male’s head (such as albinos).
Juveniles
JuvenilesJuveniles look like females, but the plumage is generally duller. They lack the black ring, pink collar, or blue tint on the back of the head that can be seen in the adult male.
Juveniles attain the adult plumage when they are about 2 – 3 years old (usually in the spring of the third year). However, some males show traces of the ring when they are as young as one year old.
Similar Bird Species
Resembles the related African Ringneck Parakeet, but is larger in size. The face is a stronger green. The Indian male’s collar is less prominent on the African male. The African Ringneck has a longer tail.
Ringneck Parrots as Pets: Typical Behavior, Training and Care
Personality / Pet Potential
Ringneck Parrots are highly intelligent and, for the right owners, can make excellent pets. They must be handled consistently in order to remain tame. If not sufficient interaction is provided, they will quickly revert to their wild behavior. However, well socialized Indian Ringnecks generally have pleasant personalities.
They learn concepts quickly and like to perform tricks, such as untying knots, ringing a bell, picking up objects and even stringing beads.
These energetic parakeets love to fly and explore; and are very playful. They need lots of toys to keep them entertain. They particularly like chew toys. The toys that should be provided to them are wood chews, perches, swings and assorted bird-safe toys that you can get hold of that is appropriate for their size. Small toys that they can easily hold in their claws are good choices.
Besides flying, which is important for all parakeets, these birds love to chew! Be sure you provide them with lots of assorted toys and wood chews, perches and swings.
Although mimicking speech is not their strongest point, they can be taught to speak, whistle and mimic other sounds. They can be very vocal and noisy — rivaling their noisy larger cousins. They can also develop screaming habits, if teased. Their piercing, high-pitched calls can annoy intolerant family members or even close neighbors.
There is a general misconception that males are friendlier than females, but there is no real basis for this. However, we have noticed in the past that some – more than other parrot species – tend to pick their favorites amongst genders. Some bond more easily with males and others with females – and often it appears that they are showing a preference for the opposite sex (male ringnecks favoring female caretakers, and vice versa).
In summary, Indian Ringnecks are enjoyed for their amazing beauty and fun personalities; but they are not the easiest parrots to keep. We only recommend them to people who have had experience with larger parrots and are willing to put in the time and effort to keep them well socialized and entertained.
Housing / Set-up
Housing / Set-upIndian Ringnecks require a roomy cage with room for lots of toys and several perches.
The general rule is that the more time they have to spend in the cage, the larger it needs to be.
Ideally, have a “toy box” with toys for your pet and rotate those in the cage frequently.
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.
Nesting / Breeding
Within their natural range, Indian Ringnecks mostly breed between February and March, although some breeding activities have been observed in April.
Most parrot species mate for life; however, this is not the case with the Indian Ringnecks.
They nest in tree cavities – either natural or excavated by the birds themselves using their beaks and claws. If they excavated the nest cavity themselves, the entrance hole is usually a circular, ~2 inch + opening. They may use the deserted nests of Woodpeckers and Barbets. They may even take advantage of holes in old walls and buildings to make their nests in.
The average clutch consists of 2 – 6 whitish eggs. These eggs are incubated for about 22 – 24 days.
The young fledge when they are about 6 – 7 weeks old.
Aviculture
Indian Ringnecks reach reproductive maturity when they are about 1 – 1 1/2 years old. However, they may not breed until they are 2 to 4 years old. Females may successfully start breeding as early as 1 year and males at 2 years.
These beautiful parakeets are generally hardy once established in an aviary.
They are generally good parents and can be a good choices for those wishing to start breeding larger birds. Since they don’t form close pair bonds, they are easy to pair up, split up and re-pair, if necessary.
The fact that they come in a wide array of beautiful mutation colors is also a big draw for breeders.
Mutations (info and photos)
Pairing / Mating / Set-up
The actual act of mating is preceded by a long and involved courtship that involves the male feeding the female, “dancing” and bowing.
Indian Ringnecks will hybridize with related parrot species, such as the Alexandrine Parakeet and the Moustached Parakeet.
More on Breeding Ringnecks
Indian Ringneck Diet / Feeding
Indian Ringneck Health Issues
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:
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