Mallee Ringneck Parrots
Over recent days I’ve been aware of several Mallee Ringneck parrots getting around in our garden. The Mallee Ringneck is one of the sub-species of the Australian Ringneck. I’ve heard them calling quite a deal over recent times and have seen them on a few occasions as the glide their way through the mallee trees in our garden.
Mallee Ringneck Parrot
Breeding
On several occasions we have observed a pair being pursued by two or three juveniles, so they must have bred somewhere nearby. Earlier this week I saw two of them investigate a hollow in one of the old mallee trees near our garage. I have seen them inspecting this potential nesting hollow on other occasions with no result, so I won’t be holding my breath this time either.
Birdbath
Today two Mallee Ringnecks came down to the birdbath while we were having lunch. Even though they have visited the birdbath before – assuming it is the same individuals – they were still very cautious. They both carefully sidled along a nearby branch before settling on the rim of the water container and having a drink. No bathing today and they only stayed long enough for a drink. This meant I was only able to take several photos before they flew off.
UPDATE:
The correct name for our ringnecks is the Australian Ringneck, but there are several distinct sub-species. The one in Western Australia is variously called the Port Lincoln Parrot, Western Ringneck or the Twenty-Eight Parrot (its call sounds like it is saying 28, 28). It has a much darker head than the eastern variations. The main sub-species in S.A., Victoria and N.S.W. is the Mallee Ringneck and there is another variation in Queensland known locally as the Cloncurry Ringneck.
These days they are regarded as one species; the fact that they are able to interbreed naturally with fertile offspring is the determining factor.
It is great to have such a beautiful bird in the garden.
For another article about this species click on this link
http://www.trevorsbirding.com/so-thats-whos-been-eating-my-flowers/
This article updated on 7th October 2015.
I live in a suburb of Perth and have had a Mallee Ringneck visiting my back yard for about 6 months now. I called him Henry. He allawed me to stand 1 foot away and talk with hime everytime he visited. It is only because of your web page that I now know what he was. I am sad to say he has not been around for nearly three weeks. He always came to eat at least four times a day. I miss him very much and am hoping he has just gone off to mate and care for and will return when things in the nest are in order. Might I be right in this thinking, or have I ended my loan of him.
Welcome to my blog, Christine. I hope you enjoyed reading about our wonderful Australian birds and looking at my photos. I try to post a new article every day so I invite you to return often, and comment as much as you like. I also try to answer all comments, especially questions.
The correct name for our ringnecks is the Australian Ringneck, but there are several distinct sub-species. The one in Western Australia is variously called the Port Lincoln Parrot, Western Ringneck or the Twenty-Eight Parrot (its call sounds like it is saying 28, 28). It has a much darker head than the eastern variations. The main sub-species in S.A., Victoria and N.S.W. is the Mallee Ringneck and there is another variation in Queensland known locally as the Cloncurry Ringneck.
These days they are regarded as one species; the fact that they are able to interbreed naturally with fertile offspring is the determining factor.
It is great to have such a beautiful bird in the garden. Because yours was so tame makes me wonder whether it was in fact an aviary escapee.
For another article about this species click on this link
http://www.trevorsbirding.com/so-thats-whos-been-eating-my-flowers/
[…] Mallee Ringnecks – these beautiful parrots are regular visitors to our garden. […]
Hi! Just moved to the Riverina (Griffith) from the tablelands and have never seen these before. They seem to be a lot greener along the back and wings here than the one in the photo, but the yellow ring and red bar across the ceres are visible.
Sadly they never seem to be anywhere but in the tops of trees making a fuss, so I don’t really get a good look. Do colours vary per region? Chookas, Lesley
Hi there Lesley. You are correct in thinking that the colours vary from one region to another. The Western Ringneck (Twenty-Eight Parrot) is quite a good deal darker all over with a black head for example. The race called the Cloncurry Ringneck (Queensland) is quite a bit lighter in colour. Then you get quite a few variations where the races interbreed (eg in the Flinders Ranges). All very confusing really. Just call them all Australian Ringnecks and you will be safe.
They are not present in the ranges in eastern NSW and Griffith is getting near to the south – easterly edge of their range. (One field guide says Wagga is the SE point of their distribution).
I have recently observed what I think is a mallee parrot. It has a very distinctive orange uner the base of its tail, and red above its white beak. How do we differentiate between male or female.
Thanks a lot
Robin
Hi there Robin. It is reasonably hard to tell the difference between the male and female in the wild. The female tends to be a duller grey-green colour. There are also quite a few variations in colour throughout its range. The ring on the neck is diagnostic however.
Gidday Trev,
nice to see this bird featured in your website. I have one in my living room in NZ and have been wondering what he is!
I would love to know what thoughts you have on diet for Mikey. Cheers!
Mark
Welcome to my blog Mark. It would probably thrive on any parrot mix available from pet shops and some supermarkets. Go for a mix that has quite a few sunflower seeds in it. You can also give it mealworms, peanuts, almonds and dried or moistened dog food.
They also like chewing on the leaves, nuts and flowers of eucalyptus trees – do you have any nearby? This will give the bird something of interest to do to prevent boredom.
[…] works, the tv guy is booked to come fix our reception on Monday, and I think I saw two of these, which aren’t supposed to live in this […]
My neighbor found a hurt Mallee Ringneck in her garden, and because she knows my family have lots of birds as pets (8 of them). She gave it to me to look after.
Her name is Rosie and she is a baby who has just come out of the nest. Could anyone leave a reply on what to feed these birds please???
Hi there Lucy,
If you read through the comments above you might pick up a few ideas on how to feed this bird. Being very young, however, it might need a special diet.
Look through the following article for extra help – especially the links to other sites:
http://www.trevorsbirding.com/caring-for-injured-or-orphaned-birds/
A pair of Port Lincoln or (Twenty Eight Parrots ) visited me last week in Cockatoo Victoria, I have photographed them on my decking eating the wild bird that I feed to wild Rosella’s. I thought I saw one in February, but thought it must have another Rosella, but no one new of one with a black head. Any now have the photo’s they must be living in the area with the Rosella’s. If you would like a copy I will email photo’s.
Regard Rita
Thanks for sharing your observations Rita. The birds you have seen are certainly aviary escapes or have been released by someone. They are very common in captivity.
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Hi We live on the escarpment in Toowoomba Qld. I try to feed and encourage wild birds. Yesterday afternoon my partner and I spotted at our bird feeder a bird we cannot identify. Aqua all over, very small eyes, larger than a lorriket, smaller than a gallah, an almost distinctive ring around the neck, but a very red beak, can you help me please. We use the Birds of Australia by Ken Simpson & Nicolas Day but cannot match any of the examples. I have photos if that is any help. Regards Geoff & Maureen.
Hi there Geoff,
Sorry about the delay in replying. I’ve been very busy lately.
From your description I’d say you’ve been seeing an Indian Ringneck Parakeet. They are common in aviaries and the one you are seeing has escaped. Try Googling Indian Ringneck Parrot or go to
http://www.google.com.au/images?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&channel=s&biw=1680&bih=833&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=indian+ringneck+parakeet&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=g2g-m5&aql=&oq=
[…] visiting our garden and five acre block over the course of the year. Some are resident, like the Mallee Ringnecks, others are only occasional visitors. The Little Corella is one of those infrequent visitors and […]
The 28 parrot of Western Australia is the sub species to the port Lincoln parrot, the 4 types are not regagarded as one species, there are 3 species tge cloncurry, port lincon, mallee ringneck, and about the 28s call one needs a very wild imagination if it sounds like its calling 28, biggest load of ballony ive ever heard
Hi Wayne,
Thanks for your comments, but I have to respectfully disagree. All the authorities I have consulted regard the Australian Ringnecks as one species because all the sub-species (races) interbreed where their ranges intersect. That is consistent with the definition of a sub-species (or race) as opposed to a species. The major authority on these matters is BirdLife Australia – see their website here http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Barnardius-zonarius
As for the Western Ringnecks being called “28s” it is over 30 years since I have heard them, so I can’t really comment, except to say that all of field guides use this description of the call.