Emerald-collared Parakeet / Layard's Parakeet

Australian Ringneck Parrots

The Layard's Parakeet or Emerald-collared Parakeet (Psittacula calthropae) is endemic to Sri Lanka (previously Ceylon) and Maldive Islands, where it is locally common. Their preferred habitats are the forest areas, particularly along the edges and in the clearings. They can also be found in urban gardens.

Populations undergo local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds, buds and blossoms that make up its diet.

Layard's Parakeets are less gregarious than some of its relatives, and are usually in small groups outside the breeding season, when it often feeds with Brahminy Starlings.

Its flight is swift and direct, and the call is a raucous chattering.

During the breeding season, they nest in the holes of large trees, each clutch averaging 3 to 4 white eggs that are incubated for about 23 days.

Description:

The plumage is mostly green. It averages 12 inches (29 to 30 cm) in length, with a tail up to 13cm.

The adult has a bluish-grey head and back, separated by a green collar. There is a broad black chin stripe and the tail is blue tipped yellow. The upper part of the male's bill is red, and the lower beak is brown.

The female is similar, but has a black upper beak, and a dark green stripe to the cheek. They lack the pink band to the nape and yellow-green collar. They don't have the blue tinge to back of head that can be seen in the males. The middle tail-feathers are washed with blue.

Immatures as female, but with shorter tail-feathers, with a mainly green plumage and a dark red bill.

Training and Behavioral Guidance:

Ringneck parrots are less demanding than other parrot species, which makes them an excellent choice for someone who wants to "step up" from an easy-going and easy-care cockatiel or budgie.

Consistent training and behavioral guidance from a young age is recommended to ensure potential owners enjoy a bird free of destructive and annoying habits.

Behavioral challenges that ringnecks present include:

• Chewing: Any parrot will chew. In nature, they use their beak to "customize" their favorite tree, to enlarge the size of their nest in a tree hollow. Doing this keeps their beaks in good condition. The problem is excessive and undesirable chewing. Undisciplined ringnecks may chew on electric wiring potentially causing house fires. The owner needs to provide plenty of "healthy" chewing opportunities (bird toys, natural wood branches, etc.) and training is necessary to teach a parrot what is "off-limits."

• Jealousy / Aggression: The ringneck parrots can be jealous of other family members and pets. They can develop a bond with only one human and refuse to interact with other people, even attacking them in some cases. Although this is a small bird it does not seem to believe so, and will attack larger birds and even dogs if it feels it or its human is threatened. Owners should be cautious in multiple-pet homes. Continuing to socialize the hand reared pet bird from a young age and letting many people handle and interact with it can prevent single-person bonding and allow it to become an excellent family pet.



• Noise: Individual differences may exist; or training may explain the different opinions on this topic - or it is likely a combination of both. This being said, not everybody can tolerate the natural call of a parrot, and even though it can't (or should not) be entirely eliminated, there are ways to discourage screaming / screeching in your pet. In general, ringnecks is known for its talking and whistling ability, and teaching and encouraging your pet to talk is one way to reduce undesirable screeching in your pet.
  

Continuous obedience training is recommended ...

• AvianWeb Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training. If you found a way to resolve a "parrot behavioral issue" please share it with others.


• If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
  
  • the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
    • Stop Biting
    • Perform Tricks &
    • Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
  • and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.

If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:

• Procuring your Parrot



• Click here for a Breeders Listing
  • Do you breed this species and would like to be listed? Click here to see your options.


• Housing Your Bird - Ringnecks love to climb and play and need to be provided with a cage that allows them to move around freely and toys to entertain themselves with. Please refer to the following websites for information:A roomy cage is required, as Plumheads need to be provided with a cage or aviary that allows them to move around freely. Special care needs to be taken to protect them from cold temperatures. Toys and safe branches should be provided to them to allow them to entertain themselves. Please refer to the following websites for information:



• The 3 Key Elements to Your Pet Bird's Happiness and Health



• Training Your Bird



• Bird Nutrition



• Parrot Products

Taxonomy

Species: Scientific: Psittacula calthorpae ... English: Emerald-collared Parakeet ... Dutch: Smaragdparkiet, Layard Parkiet ... German: Blauschwanz Edelsittich, Ceylon Sittich ... French: Perruche à colette emeraude

Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots

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