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Mallee ringneck(Barnardius barnardi)
Phylum —chordata
Class — aves
Order — psittaciformes
Family — psittaculidae
Genus – barnardius
Subspecies:
- Barnardius barnardizonarius- the nominal species;
- Barnardius barnardisemitorquatus;
- Barnardius barnardi whitei;
- Barnardius barnardi macgillivrayi.
Appearance
The subspecies of the Mallee ringneck differ considerably in coloration. It is a medium size species around 33 cm (11 in) long. The basic color is green, and all four subspecies have the characteristic yellow ring around the hindneck; wings and tail are a mixture of green and blue.
The Barnardius barnardi zonariusandBarnardius barnardi semitorquatus subspecies have a dull black head; back, rump and wings are brilliant green; throat and breast bluish-green. The difference between these two subspecies is that Barnardius barnardi zonariushas a yellow abdomen while Barnardius barnardi semitorquatushas a green abdomen; the latter has also a prominent crimson frontal band that the former lacks (the intermediate shown in the box has characteristics of both subspecies). The two other subspecies differ from these subspecies by the bright green crown and nape and blush cheek-patches. The underparts of Barnardius barnardi zonariusare turquoise-green with an irregular orange-yellow band across the abdomen; the back and mantle are deep blackish-blue and this subspecies has a prominent red frontal band. The Barnardius barnardi macgillivrayi is generally pale green, with no red frontal band, and a wide uniform pale yellow band across the abdomen.
Habitat
Mallee ringneckis a bird native to Australia.
Behavior
The Mallee ringneck is active during the day and can be found in eucalypt woodlands and eucalypt-lined watercourses. The species is gregarious and depending on the conditions can be resident or nomadic.
Diet
This species eats a wide range of foods that include nectar, insects, seeds, fruit, and native and introduced bulbs. It will eat orchard-grown fruit and is sometimes seen as a pest by farmers.
Reproduction
Breeding season for the northern populations starts in June or July, while the central and southern populations breed from August to February, but this can be delayed when climatic conditions are unfavourable. The nesting site is a hollow in a tree trunk.Generally, four or five white oval eggs are laid measuring 29 mm x 23 mm, although a clutch may be as few as three and as many as six. Fledgling survival rates have been measured at 75%.
In captivity
Lifespan in captivity is from 25 to 35 years.
Thanks to their robust size, these birds are usually very healthy. In their natural habitat, these parrots had to adapt to harsh conditions, which makes adapting to common household condition a child’s play for the Mallee ringneck.
Generally considered as temperate and calm, the Mallee ringneck is also an intelligent and inquisitive pet. Their energy levels are moderate, but they will still love playing with a variety of toys. Also, an important part of parrot care is social stimulation. You need to interact with your pet, talk to them and play with them, if you want to maintain their friendly nature. But all in all, you will quickly realize that behind the Mallee ringneck’s docile behavior, lies an affectionate and fun pet parrot.
In captivity is best to avoid diets high incommercially produced bird seed as they are
often high in fat and low in many of the major vitamins that parrots require. Feeding a high seed diet can increase the risk of obesity and other more serious problems such as lipoma (lump) formation and cardiovascular disease.
