The ring-necked parakeet, Psittacula kramerii, is also known as the rose-ringed parakeet. Its native habitat is in the foothills of SE Asia, although it is also found across Africa, running east from Mauritania and Sene-Gambia, to Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. However, it has found its way into England, and is now its only native 'parrot'.
The ring-necked parakeet is an emerald green parrot-like bird, measuring 37 - 43cm full length, with a wing-span of 42 - 48cm. The tail is around 25cm in best condition, being distinctly long and pointed. The male has a distinctive neck-ring running via the throat, lower nape and cheeks, which is black around the throat, and becoming red toward the nape. The female has a less noticeable emerald ring. It nests in tree hollows; the nest itself is generally no more than an untidy layer of dust or debris. The clutch usually consists of three to four eggs laid between January and June, although two broods may be becoming more common. The eggs take between 25 and 28 days to incubate, with the female being the sole incubator. When hatched the young are naked and helpless, taking eight weeks to fledge. The adults appear to bond for life.
The bird, in Europe, is omnivorous and is a regular visitor to bird tables and feeders. In its native habitat it feeds on seeds, fruits, flowers and nectar and is seen in flocks of typically two to seven birds, although larger flocks are not uncommon. The call is a loud distinctive screech 'kee-ak...kee-ak...kee-ak' with a warning call of a series of 'ak...ak...ak'. The birds appear to live for up to 30 years.