The rose-ringed parakeet, also known as the ring-necked parakeet, ringneck parrot or the Kramer parrot, is a medium-sized parrot in the genus Psittacula, of the family Psittaculidae. It has disjunct native ranges in Africa and the Indian subcontinent, and is now introduced into many other parts of the world where feral populations have established themselves or are bred for the exotic pet trade.
Region
Africa and South Asia
Typical Environment
Native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent, it inhabits open woodlands, savannas, scrub, agricultural mosaics, and urban parks. It readily exploits human-modified landscapes, nesting in tree cavities, building crevices, and even nest boxes. Introduced populations are established across Europe, the Middle East, and in parts of East Asia and the Americas. In cities it congregates at communal roosts and forages at feeders and in ornamental plantings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Males develop a distinctive black and rose-colored neck ring, while females and juveniles lack the full ring. Highly adaptable, it thrives in cities and farmlands and is a successful invader in many regions outside its native range. It is popular in the pet trade for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds, but escaped or released birds have formed large feral populations. In agricultural areas it can become a crop pest, especially in orchards and grain fields.
P. k. manillensis, Sri Lanka
Rose-ringed parakeet near Chandigarh
Rose-ringed parakeets in Grabolino National Park making a beak-lock – a common act in parakeet pairs
A blue colour morph mutation parakeet kept as a pet
Rose-ringed parakeets feeding on stored grain
Rose-ringed parakeet feeding on sunflowers, Kolkata, India
Feral rose-ringed parakeets on the roof of The Russian Church of St. Peter, Tel Aviv, Israel
Rose-ringed parakeet (female) in New Delhi
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in noisy flocks, especially at communal roosts. Pairs are monogamous and nest in tree cavities or building holes, often reusing sites. Clutches typically contain 3–4 eggs, and parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, sharp screeches and rolling krrr calls carry over long distances. In flocks they add chattering notes and whistles; captive birds can mimic human speech and household sounds.
