The Ring-necked Parakeet is an introduced exotic. The subspecies in 
Jordan is P. k.borealis. The existing feral population most probably 
originates from escaped captive birds. It has been imported in large 
numbers for the commercial pet trade (see below). Currently it is pre- 
sent in relatively small numbers. 
Table 1: Trade records of Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula kramerl) imported 
into Jordan for the live pet trade during 1987 and 1988. 
Year 
Quantity 
Country of Origin 
1987 
3000 
United Arab Emirates and Pakistan 
1987 
3000 
Pakistan 
1987 
2000 
Pakistan 
1987 
5000 
Pakistan 
1988 
3000 
Pakistan 
1988 
500 
Pakistan 
1988 
2500 
Pakistan 
1988 
250 
Pakistan 
1988 
3000 
Pakistan 
Total 
22250 
Notes on biology 
The Ring-necked Parakeet is gregarious being most often seen in 
small flocks. Average flock size in Amman was between three and 
ten individuals. The species roosts communally, when larger num- 
bers occasionally congregate. The largest group I encountered con- 
sisted of 65 birds roosting in a cypress tree at Jebel Amman on 27 
November 1989. In Amman I have often seen it feed on cypress 
cones, as well as the fruit of Melia azedarach, a fruit also found in the 
species' stomach contents in the Punjab (Forshaw 1978). Although the 
species is a native of subtropical regions it has survived Amman's 
cold winters, where temperatures can sometimes reach below 0° C. 
International Trade 
Its bright green plumage makes the Ring-necked Parakeet an attrac- 
tive species to keepers of cagebirds. A total of 22,250 birds were 
imported into Jordan during 1987 and 1988. All importations, with 
the exception of one, were from Pakistan, where the species is native. 
In the other case, that of the United Arab Emirates, the species was 
introduced in 1976 and has subsequently multiplied successfully. In 
fact its numbers increased so dramatically that in 1986 it was declared 
27 
