Rose ringed parakeet
Three to five white eggs are laid.
by Bruce MunroA scarce localised species, the nature of its introduction from India and China is unknown, but probably from escaped cage birds. Groups have established in Durban, near Sodwana Bay and central Gauteng since about 1970. These parakeets like woodland and adjacent cultivated lands. They are gregarious in flocks of up to 60 birds. Noisy when raiding croplands, they can do considerable damage. Holds food in its foot while nibbling with its bill. Fruit, seeds, grain, flowers and nectar are food preferences.
Their flight is swift and direct with fast wing beats. The call is a loud shrill kee – ak repeated slowly or fast several times. They also have a variety of whistles and chattering notes.
Breeding month is September. Their nest being a hole in a tree eight to 10m above the ground with the floor lined with bark chips. Three to five white eggs are laid. Incubation is 26 to 28 days and nestlings for six to seven weeks.
There is no tribal name for this bird and in Afrikaans die ringnekparkiet.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.