Barnardius zonarius
The Australian Ringneck (*Barnardius zonarius*) is a medium-sized, strikingly marked parrot endemic to Australia, measuring approximately 33-38 cm (13-15 in) in length and weighing between 100-200g (3.5-7 oz). Predominantly clad in bright green plumage, its most distinctive field mark is a prominent yellow band encircling the hindneck, giving the species its common name. Depending on the subspecies, individuals may display a vivid red frontal band above the beak, varying shades of blue on the...
Found in a variety of wooded habitats, including eucalyptus and acacia woodlands, mallee scrub, riparian zones, farmlands, parks, and suburban gardens from lowlands to moderate elevations.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on a wide range of seeds from grasses, acacias, and eucalypts, supplemented with fruits, berries, nuts, nectar, and insects and their larvae, often foraging both arboreally and terrestrially.
Diurnal and highly active, Australian Ringnecks forage from dawn until dusk, often roosting communally in tree hollows or dense canopy foliage. Their foraging strategy involves agile movements through trees and shrubs, deftly using their feet to hold seeds, fruits, and insects. While pairs defend...
The Australian Ringneck is widely distributed across the majority of mainland Australia, absent only from Tasmania and the tropical northern and eastern coastal regions. Its extensive range encompasses diverse ecoregions, from the temperate southwest to the arid interior. Four recognized subspeci...
Least Concern
- The Australian Ringneck is actually a complex of four distinct subspecies that were once considered separate species due to their striking plumage variations. - The 'Twenty-eight Parrot' subspecies (*Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus*) is named for its distinctive, often repeated, whistling cal...