Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrinus krameri
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Rose-ringed Parakeet is a vibrant green parrot with a long tail and a distinctive red beak. It measures 38-42 cm in length, with a slender body and pointed wings.
Adult males feature a black throat stripe and a pink and black collar, while females and immature birds lack these markings. Both sexes have a pale ring around the eye and subtle blue tints on the tail.
Size
Length
38cm to 42cm
Wingspan
42cm to 48cm
Weight
95g to 143g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Native to Africa and South Asia, Rose-ringed Parakeets inhabit a range of wooded habitats, including open woodlands, savannahs, and cultivated areas. They thrive in human-modified landscapes, including urban parks and gardens.
Feral populations have been established in many countries, including the UK (particularly London), Belgium, and the Netherlands. In the USA, they are found in parts of California and Florida.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Rose-ringed Parakeet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Rose-ringed Parakeets are highly agile flyers, capable of swift, direct flight with rapid wing beats. Their slender bodies and pointed wings contribute to their manoeuvrability, allowing them to navigate through various environments with ease.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, these parakeets possess enough strength to crack open nuts and seeds. Their ability to compete for nesting sites suggests moderate strength, but they are not known for exceptional physical power.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds demonstrate remarkable adaptability, thriving in a wide range of habitats from their native woodlands to urban environments. Their success as an invasive species in numerous countries and their ability to adjust their diet to local food sources, including human-provided feeders, showcase their exceptional adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Rose-ringed Parakeets can be assertive, particularly when competing for nesting sites. Their success in establishing feral populations suggests a degree of territorial behaviour. However, they are not typically considered highly aggressive birds, preferring to live in social flocks.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
With a lifespan of up to 30 years in the wild, Rose-ringed Parakeets demonstrate considerable endurance. Their ability to thrive in various climates and elevations up to 2000 metres indicates good physical resilience. Their long-distance flight capabilities, whilst not migratory, also suggest solid endurance.
Diet
Rose-ringed Parakeets are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, and blossoms.
They show a particular fondness for cultivated fruits and crops, sometimes leading to conflicts with farmers. In urban areas, they readily adapt to feeding on bird feeders.
Behaviour
Rose-ringed Parakeets are highly social and often seen in noisy flocks. They are agile flyers, capable of swift, direct flight with rapid wing beats.
These birds are known for their intelligence and adaptability, readily adjusting to urban environments and even mimicking human speech in captivity.
Vocalisation
Rose-ringed Parakeets are known for their loud, screeching calls, often described as a sharp 'kee-ak' or 'kee-ak-kee-ak'. They also produce a variety of softer chattering and whistling sounds when communicating within the flock.
Their ability to mimic human speech has made them popular pets.
Nesting & Breeding
Rose-ringed Parakeets typically breed between September and December in their native range, but timing varies in introduced populations. They form monogamous pairs and engage in mutual preening and feeding during courtship.
These parakeets nest in tree cavities, often competing with native species for suitable sites. They may also use man-made structures. Females lay 2-6 white eggs in an unlined cavity.
Incubation lasts about 22-24 days, primarily by the female. Chicks fledge after 6-7 weeks but may remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Despite being non-native in many parts of its range, the Rose-ringed Parakeet is listed as Least Concern.
However, its success as an invasive species in Europe and elsewhere has raised concerns about competition with native birds for nesting sites and food resources.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their loud, distinctive squawking calls, especially at dawn and dusk
- Look for them in parks and gardens with mature trees
- In the UK, visit London's parks where large populations have established
- Observe feeders in urban areas, as they often visit for seeds and fruits
- Check tree cavities during the breeding season for nesting pairs
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Ring-necked Parakeet
Family:
PsittacidaeAverage Lifespan
20 to 30 years
Max Lifespan
34 years [4]
Predators
Natural predators include birds of prey such as hawks and owls, as well as snakes and small mammals that may raid nests for eggs or chicks.
Did You Know?
- Rose-ringed Parakeets can live up to 30 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived parrots.
- They are considered sacred in some parts of India and are associated with the love god Kamadeva.
- These parakeets have been introduced to over 35 countries on five continents.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Psittacula krameri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22685441A132057695.
View source - 2 4
report, 1997: del Hoyo et al.
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