Rose-ringed Parakeet, Psittacula krameri
Rose-ringed Parakeets, native to central Africa and India (two distinct populations), are popular cage birds that have established feral populations, some quite large and possibly self-sustaining, in cities around the world. The largest such population in North America, more than a thousand birds, lives in Bakersfield, California, and was described by Alison Sheehey, who has studied these birds for years, in a 2012 article in Birding magazine. The most dependable spot in Bakersfield to see the parakeets is Beale Park, where these pictures were taken. The birds nest in the park, and the photo below shows a male at an active nest. Males are distinguished by a black line marking the lower border of the cheek, and the rose-colored ring around the neck that gives the species its English common name.
Above, male on right, with black line around cheek, and rose ring (barely visible), the other two
are adult female or immature. Below, the same group, with the male feeding one of the other two.
