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Rose-ringed Parakeet (also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet)
Contour feather, likely from the upper wing coverts or mantle

Rose-ringed Parakeet (also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet)

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

Family: Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a smoothly rounded tip and an elongated, tapering outline
Size
Approximately 4 to 5 inches long, consistent with a medium body or covert feather for this species
Rarity
Very Common in its introduced urban range, such as the parks of Madrid where flocks number in the thousands
Learn more about Rose-ringed Parakeet (also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet) in the encyclopedia →

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Description

A vibrant green parrot with a distinctive long tail, slender body, hooked red bill, and a narrow pink and black neck ring in adult males. Known for its loud, screeching calls and agile, direct flight across urban canopies.

Colour & Pattern

Striking gradient transitioning from vivid turquoise-blue at the tip through emerald green to yellowish-green and white near the base, driven by structural coloration and psittacine pigments

Barb Structure

Pennaceous vane in the upper portion transitioning to slightly plumulaceous barbs near the base, with intact barbs and micro-structure barbicels

Texture & Surface

Smooth, silky texture with a glossy sheen on the dorsal surface and a matte appearance on the ventral side

Key Features

Vibrant turquoise-to-green gradient coloration, slender elongated contour shape, and soft silky texture characteristic of parrot plumage

Habitat

Urban parks, gardens, open woodlands, agricultural areas, and suburban environments where large feral or introduced populations thrive

Geographic Range

Native to tropical regions of Africa and South Asia, but has established highly successful feral breeding populations in major European cities including Madrid, Spain

Ecological Role

Acts as an urban seed disperser and generalist herbivore; large flocks can sometimes compete with native cavity-nesting birds for nesting sites

Similar Species

Monk Parakeet (Myiopsyra monachus), which features greyish breasts and distinct barred markings rather than a smooth turquoise-green gradient

Interesting Facts

Rose-ringed parakeets have established massive, noisy roosts in many European cities, with Madrid hosting one of the largest urban populations outside their native range

Condition Notes

Excellent condition with intact barbs, clean shaft, and no visible signs of wear, fading, or parasitic damage

Notes

Madrid, Spain in a city park