The Indian Ringneck Parakeet

The Indian Ringneck Parakeet, or Indian Ringneck Parrot (the term parakeet refers to the length of a parrot's tail, rather than to its size), is one of four subspecies of Rose-Ringed Parrots that are found in a broad band stretching from Central Africa through Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Burma, and ultimately into China. Throughout all seventeen inches of its length, from the curve of it's bright red beak down to the tip of that incredible tail, this creature personifies elegance, epitomizing the essence of graceful statuary.

Indeed, if the ringneck parakeet appears fit for an emperor's palace, it's because it is. Ancient history attests that Caesars, pharaohs, and kings have proudly kept these birds as pets from antiquity. And this is largely because, in addition to being beautiful, these birds also make intelligent and loving pets.

Despite these facts, there remains a misconception-- a kind of an urban legend that persists among certain members of the birdkeeping public--that ringnecks don't make good pets. This is absolutely untrue. A ringneck parakeet that is handled regularly, (and who doesn't handle their pets regularly?) will be as affectionate and sweet as any other pet bird. In fact, for this misconception alone, Bird Talk Magazine has numbered ringnecks among the topmost misunderstood of all pet bird species. Notwithstanding, and as many devoted owners will attest, these birds make wonderful, loving pets, learn concepts quickly, and love to show off for their keepers.

In fact, one of this species' greatest talents lies in the area of talking. Ringnecks have the potential to speak with amazing clarity. Additionally, they are adept at learning a great number of words and phrases, making them true masters at mimicry who can easily compete with Amazons, bare-eyed cockatoos and many others in this area. That is why most sources list ringneck parakeets among the top five talking birds.

Ringnecks have the additional advantage of being a geneticists dream, since they are capable of producing offspring in a fantastic variety of attractive colors. And we all love pretty things, right? As John Keats once said, "a thing of beauty is a joy forever."

So if you are looking for a parrot who will make a great talker, become an intimate friend, and give you an eyeful of beauty in the bargain, the Indian Ringneck parakeet is the bird for you.