BirdUp · Species
Australian Ringneck
Barnardius zonarius(Shaw, 1805)
Updated
Also known asBalyardDumal
- Order
- PSITTACIFORMES
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Barnardius
At a glance
The Australian Ringneck is a large bird, about 28–44 cm long, listed as Least Concern and endemic to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 28–44 cm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Origin
- Endemic
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Endemic
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does an Australian Ringneck look like?
The Australian Ringneck is a large bird, about 28–44 cm long and weighing 102–224 g, identified by its distinct yellow collar on hindneck; head color black or bright green; long, broad tail; and blue wash on wings and tail.
The Australian ringneck is a parrot native to Australia. Except for extreme tropical and highland areas, the species has adapted to all conditions. Treatments of genus Barnardius have previously recognised two species, the Port Lincoln parrot and the mallee ringneck, but due to these readily interbreeding at the contact zone they are usually regarded as a single species B. zonarius with subspecific descriptions. Currently, four subspecies are recognised, each with a distinct range.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 01
Distinct yellow collar on hindneck
A bright yellow band wraps around the back of the neck, a defining feature across all subspecies.
- 02
Head color black or bright green
Head is either black (western forms) or bright green (eastern forms), contrasting with the yellow collar.
- 03
Long, broad tail
A noticeably long and wide tail, contributing to a characteristic parrot silhouette.
- 04
Blue wash on wings and tail
Overall green plumage, with wings and tail showing a distinct wash of blue tones.
03 · When
When to look
When can you see an Australian Ringneck?
The Australian Ringneck is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does an Australian Ringneck eat?
The Australian Ringneck feeds on fruit, seeds and terrestrial invertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
2 photos
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