The Australian Ringneck -Barnardius zonarius- is a species that varies in size and colour across Australia, and is divided into two main groups and four subspecies. All have the yellow neck-band in common and are mostly green. Here in the lower south-east of South Australia we enjoy the Mallee Ringneck- Barnardius zonarius bernardi - with its reddish band over the bill and a mostly green/blue body. Even within this subspecies there is a variety of colouration, here's an especially blue and, I think, rather attractive bird. Ringnecks feed mainly on the ground, eating seeds, flowers, fruit and insects. In summer they stay in the trees for the hottest part of the day. Ringnecks form part of the 17% of Australian bird species that need tree hollows to nest in. They lay 4-6 eggs and the female is fed by her mate while she's incubating the eggs. Ringnecks are usually seen in pairs or small groups. There are several birds here and they're present all year round - so I hope that means they've found a suitable breeding site on the block. Again, when I was researching for this, most of the search results concerned the purchasing and care of the Ringnecks as aviary birds. I find this very sad. Australian Ringnecks - beautiful birds to enjoy in the wild.
1 Comment
Geraldine Anders
16/9/2018 03:37:53 pm
Is that the male or the female I wonder. How beautiful either way.
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December 2018
January - Superb Fairy-Wren
Feb - Eastern Yellow Robin March - NH Honeyeater April - Crimson Rosella May - Grey Currawong June - Grey Shrike-thrush July - Red-browed Finch Aug - White-browed Babbler Sept - Australian Ringneck Oct - Striated Thornbill Nov-Y-t Black Cockatoo Dec - Australian Magpie |