The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Afrikaans name: Ringnekparkiet
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Photo © Steven Herbert
Psittacula krameri
The Rose-ringed Parakeet is a familiar bird to many people as it is a popular pet and cage-bird. Many of these pet birds have escaped or been released by their well-meaning owners and they have established breeding populations around Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. They are also known by other names such us Ring-necked Parakeet or Indian Ring-neck.
This bird originates from Senegal to Ethiopia, and south Asia, where it can be found in woodland and savanna. In South Africa it appears to stay close by humans occupying farmlands, gardens and parks.
The Rose-ringed Parakeet is partial to figs and other fruits. It also eats seeds and, on occasion, insects.
They nest in cavities which are either natural, man-made or disused nests from other species such as Barbets. The female lays around 3 or 4 eggs and she incubates them.
References and further reading
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 228Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 118
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 222
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 315
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 319
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 236
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 202
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 202
Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 154
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 38
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 121
Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 138