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Species description
The Australian ringneck (Barnardius zonarius) is a slender Australian parrot about 37-38 cm long. The base color is green, the head is black with a slight sheen, and the cheeks are bluish. Some birds show a narrow red frontlet and a yellowish nuchal mark. The lower back is blue-green and the wings are yellowish-green. Throat and breast are blue-green, the belly is yellow. Legs are gray. Females are paler than males.
Range and habitat
Found in southern, central, and western Australia. Occupies varied open habitats with trees - eucalypt groves along waterways, parks and gardens, farmland margins, and woodland edges.
Diet and behavior
The diet includes seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, flowers and buds, plus insects and their larvae. In the southwest of the range it forages more often in tree canopies than on the ground. It can damage fruit orchards, especially pears and apples.
Breeding
The breeding season varies by region. In the south it usually runs from August to December. On the mainland, onset of breeding is strongly influenced by rainfall. Nests are placed in tree hollows, preferably eucalypts near rivers and water bodies. Clutch size is 4-7 eggs; the female incubates. Incubation lasts about 20-22 days.
Taxonomy and subspecies
Described by George Shaw in 1805. Formerly placed by some authors in Platycercus (rosellas). Subspecies differ markedly in plumage: in B. z. zonarius and B. z. semitorquatus the head is black, the back, tail and wings bright green, throat and breast blue-green; the belly is yellow in B. z. zonarius and green in B. z. semitorquatus. Two other subspecies show a bright green crown and blue-green cheeks; in B. z. macgillivrayi lighter green tones predominate.
Husbandry
Can be kept as a companion bird given a spacious cage or aviary, a varied diet, and daily enrichment. Requires stable temperatures without drafts, mineral supplements, and constant access to fresh water.
Buy an Australian ringneck: ordering and shipping
You can purchase Australian ringnecks from our farm. Delivery across Ukraine. To confirm availability and shipping, contact via Viber, Telegram, or by phone 050-182-27-27.
Frequently asked questions
How to tell males from females
Females are noticeably paler with less contrast on the mask and belly; overall green tones are less saturated.
Do I need an aviary or is a cage enough
A spacious aviary or a large horizontal cage is preferable, with daily out-of-cage time and environmental enrichment.
What must be included in the diet
Seed mixes for medium parrots, sprouts, leafy greens, moderate vegetables and fruits, browse, mineral supplements, and always fresh water.