Ring-necked parakeet - Psittacula krameri - Family: Psittacidae

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Ring-necked parakeet - Psittacula krameri
© Robin Chittenden www.harlequinpictures.co.uk

The bright, emerald-green plumage, long-tail and rose-red bill make the ring-necked parakeet a highly distinctive bird and its extraordinarily loud call helps to ensure that it will never go overlooked.

It is native to India and parts of Africa but has become established in the wild in several urban areas, mostly in the south-east of England, following escapes from captivity. In these areas it is a common visitor to gardens. The bird was first recorded in the wild in England in 1969 but communal roosts may now number hundreds of individuals. Although there were estimated to be only 1500 pairs in 2000, this represented an increase of 50% in just 14 years, so it may not be too long before this bird becomes more familiar to far more people.

Tree holes are used for nesting and there are concerns that there could be an adverse effect on native hole-nesting birds like jackdaws and little owls if - or perhaps this should be when - the ring-necked parakeet spreads more widely in England. In Britain, there are no obvious predators although a female sparrowhawk has been seen to pursue, although not catch, one of these birds.

Food

Seeds and nuts are the preferred food and it is readily attracted to bird feeders.

Plants

Apple, Pedunculate oak