Ringneck Parrot Information

The Ringneck parakeet is becoming one the most popular pet bird species. These streamlined, elegant birds with long, tapered tails, come in a myriad of pastel colors surpassed only by the Budgie.

  1. Identification

    • Ringneck parakeets are of the genus Psittacula. There are four subspecies: P.k.parvirostris, P.k. manillensis, P.k. krameri and k. borealis, with Indian Ringnecks (P.k. manillensis) being the most well known.

    Features

    • Ringnecks are sexually dimorphic, meaning that their sex can be identified by their coloring. Sex can usually be determined by the third year, with the male showing brighter plumage and a more defined neck ring.

    Colors and Size

    • Ringneck parakeet colors include variations of lime green, yellow, blue, turquoise, purple, and even pied and albino, with new mutations being developed regularly. They are commonly 16 to 17 inches long, including the tail.

    Talking

    • They can be fine talkers with regular practice, and can learn up to 250 words. Owners who have time to spend with these birds can teach them many tricks, but lack of attention can lead to destructive behavior and screaming.

    Care and Feeding

    • The cage should be medium parrot size in order to avoid broken tail feathers. They can be fed seed mix, pellets, raw nuts, fresh fruits, berries and vegetables.