Collared parakeet

Collared parakeet

We are delighted that Frank Melder has taken on the sponsorship of the collared parakeet.

The collared parakeet(Psittacula krameri), also known as the small Alexander's parakeet, is a member of the genus of conures, to which around 16 species belong. Its original range extends in a strip between the Sahara and the Congo Basin, from East to West Africa, as well as throughout India to the Himalayan region. However, there are now steadily growing populations of several thousand animals in Europe and the USA. The largest of these live in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Hamburg and Cologne. Bonn is also home to a considerable number of these exotic birds in the city's larger parks. However, these populations do not originate from immigrants from Africa and India, but are the product of escaped cage birds that were able to establish themselves in colder climes.

Collared parakeets can weigh up to 150 g and reach a body size of up to 43 cm. The tail can make up more than half of the body length. The overall colour of the plumage ranges from yellow-green at the head end to blue-green at the tail end. Another unusual feature is that the upper beak is coloured red, while the lower beak is black. The collared parakeet owes its name to a black and pink stripe that surrounds the neck of all males and some females.

The habitat of the collared parakeet was originally evergreen forests, open woodlands, savannahs and scrubland up to an altitude of 2000 metres above sea level. It now also colonises agricultural landscapes, plantations, parks and gardens and can even be found in city centres. The diet of the collared parakeet is exclusively vegetarian and consists of fruits, seeds, nuts, flowers, nectar and berries. In many countries, including India in particular, it is therefore regarded as a serious pest.

The breeding season of the collared parakeet is between December and July, depending on the area of origin. The nest is usually a tree cavity at a height of 3 to 10 metres, which can be enlarged by the parents if necessary. If no suitable nest can be found, cavities between rocks or buildings also fulfil their purpose. The clutch usually consists of 3-4 eggs, which are incubated for around 22 days. After a further seven weeks, the young fledge and leave the nest.

The population of the collared parakeet is not currently endangered, as it has an enormous range, is very resilient and can adapt to human influences. This can be recognised by the fact that it has successfully naturalised in so many colder regions. It is very common in many areas and is even considered a pest by some farmers.