Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) – A Detailed Study

 

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet, is a vibrant, medium-sized parrot widely recognized for its bright plumage, strong social behavior, and adaptability to diverse habitats. It is one of the most widespread parrot species globally, famous for its loud calls, intelligence, and ability to thrive near human habitation. Below is an extensive account of its taxonomy, morphology, habitat, behavior, adaptations, and its notable presence within the Sundarban ecosystem.

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Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Psittaciformes
• Family: Psittaculidae
• Genus: Psittacula
• Species: Psittacula krameri

The Rose-ringed Parakeet belongs to the genus Psittacula, which includes numerous species of colorful parakeets found primarily in Asia and Africa.

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Morphology & Identification

The Rose-ringed Parakeet is a strikingly colorful, medium-sized parrot, easily recognized by its long tail and prominent, hooked beak.

Size & Measurements

• Length: 38–42 cm (including tail)
• Wingspan: 40–50 cm
• Weight: 100–140 grams

Plumage & Appearance

Adult Male

• Color: Bright green overall.
• Head & Neck: Distinctive rose-pink and black neck-ring, which gives the species its common name. This ring appears after maturity (~2–3 years).
• Tail: Long, pointed, and greenish-blue.
• Bill: Bright red upper mandible and dark lower mandible.

Female and Juveniles

• Females lack the pronounced neck-ring; juveniles are similar but duller, with no neck-ring initially.
• Both sexes have a red bill, although females lack the rose-colored collar.

Flight Characteristics

• Swift and agile flyers, often flying in large, noisy flocks.
• Flight characterized by rapid wingbeats interspersed with brief glides.

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Habitat & Distribution

The Rose-ringed Parakeet demonstrates high adaptability, found in a variety of environments including:

Preferred Habitats

• Open woodlands
• Urban and suburban areas
• Cultivated fields & plantations
• Parks and gardens
• Orchards and agricultural lands

Geographical Range

Native to:

• South Asia: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
• Sub-Saharan Africa: parts of Central Africa, Sudan, Ethiopia
• Introduced populations exist globally (Europe, Middle East, North America).

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Diet & Feeding Behavior

The Rose-ringed Parakeet is predominantly herbivorous, feeding on a wide range of fruits and seeds.

Primary Diet Items

• Fruits (mangoes, guavas, figs, berries)
• Seeds (grains, sunflower seeds)
• Flowers and flower buds
• Occasionally cultivated crops (maize, rice, millets)
• Blossoms, nectar, and buds

Feeding Habits

• Often feeds in large groups, particularly in orchards or agricultural fields.
• Uses feet adeptly to hold and manipulate food items while feeding.

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Special Features & Adaptations

• Intelligence & Mimicry: Capable of mimicking human speech and various sounds.
• Social Structure: Highly social, forms large communal roosts.
• Adaptability: Thrives easily in urban environments and agricultural areas.
• Strong Bill: Powerful curved beak for cracking hard seeds and nuts.
• Feet Structure: Zygodactyl feet (two toes forward, two backward) for skillful manipulation of food items.

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Vocalization & Communication

• Loud, distinct calls: Harsh, repetitive “kee-ak” or “kree-ah”, especially when flying in flocks.
• Communicates extensively within flocks, particularly when alarmed or in social interactions.

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Conservation Status & Threats

• IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
• Population Trend: Increasing globally due to adaptability.

Potential Threats

• Habitat destruction affecting nesting sites.
• Agricultural persecution, as considered a pest species in orchards.
• Illegal trapping for the pet trade.

Despite these threats, the species remains widespread and abundant.

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Presence in Sundarban

The Rose-ringed Parakeet is commonly found around the edges and human settlements surrounding the Sundarban mangrove forests.

Habitat Suitability in Sundarban

• Thrives primarily in peripheral villages, orchards, agricultural landscapes, and gardens near the mangrove forests.
• Less common within dense mangrove cores due to scarcity of suitable nesting trees and preferred food plants.
• Frequently observed in villages and cultivated areas on islands such as Gosaba, Basanti, Jharkhali, Bali, and other fringe areas.

Observations & Sightings

• Regularly seen in flocks, feeding on fruit trees like guava, mango, and berries in village orchards adjacent to Sundarban.
• Often nests in hollows of tall, mature trees or even artificial structures in villages.

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Ecological Significance in Sundarban

• Important seed disperser, contributing significantly to seed distribution and forest regeneration.
• Controls the population of certain plant species by feeding on their fruits and seeds.
• May occasionally conflict with local agriculture due to crop-raiding.

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Reference Wikipedia for detailed data – click this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_hoopoe

 

The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is a vibrant, intelligent, and highly adaptable bird, thriving in both natural and urbanized environments. Its notable presence around Sundarban, especially near human settlements and orchards, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between conservation and local agriculture. The species not only contributes significantly to the ecological balance but also enriches the region’s biodiversity.

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