Ring-necked Parakeet
Psittacula krameri
The Ring-necked Parakeet is a non-native species in Britain, but it has established feral populations, particularly in the south-east of England, and can be seen in urban and suburban areas, especially during the summer months. It is a rare but increasing sight in British skies, with sightings often reported in parks and gardens.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Ring-necked Parakeet in the field.
The Ring-necked Parakeet can be identified by its bright green plumage, distinctive black neck ring, and long, graduated tail, which sets it apart from other British bird species. Its vibrant colours and sleek shape make it a striking sight, and the black neck ring is a key feature to look out for.
The Ring-necked Parakeet is slightly larger than a Starling, with a length of around 40cm, making it a medium-sized bird that is hard to miss.
The male Ring-necked Parakeet has a bright green plumage with a distinctive black neck ring, which gives the species its name, and a blue-grey crown, with no significant seasonal variation in its colours.
The female Ring-necked Parakeet is similar to the male, but lacks the black neck ring, making it slightly more challenging to identify, although its overall green plumage and shape remain distinctive.
The Ring-necked Parakeet has a loud, screeching call, often described as a sharp, metallic "kik-kik-kik" or "kee-kee-kee", which can be heard over long distances and is a key way to locate the species.
Ring-necked Parakeets are social birds that feed on seeds, fruits, and buds, often in large flocks, and can be seen flying swiftly and directly between trees, with a distinctive wingbeat and a tendency to gather in noisy groups.
The Ring-necked Parakeet is unlikely to be confused with any native British species, due to its bright green plumage and distinctive neck ring, but it may be mistaken for other introduced parakeet species, such as the Alexandrine Parakeet, which can be distinguished by its larger size and more extensive grey on the cheeks.
Quick Facts
Who's spotted this?
Loading...
Recent community sightings
Loading recent sightings...
