Embedded Files
I love the Ringnecks. I made it a mission to find all 4 sub-species. There is a lot of debate about how these so disimilar birds can be lumped together but I just enjoy looking at them. Ringnecks as a group are often met with some disdain, considered almost a feral, nuisance species. You decide!
Port Lincoln Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius zonarius)
Port Lincoln Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius zonarius)
The Port Lincoln Ringneck is the most familiar and common of the species with a dark head on a green body with flashes of yellow. It is widespread across much of South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Twenty-eight Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus)
Twenty-eight Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus)
The 28 sub-species has darker green extending further down the chest. However, the easiest way to tell it from the nominate Port Lincoln race is that is has a red band above its bill (although, as you can see from the photos below - it is not always visible). Its area overlaps somewhat with the PL in the south west corner of Western Australia.
Mallee Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius barnardi)
Mallee Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius barnardi)
The Mallee Ringneck is where it starts to get interesting. It is much paler with a blue stripe through the eye and a definite red band above the bill. There is no yellow on the breast other than some spots across the breast along with red ones. These birds look very distinct from the Port Lincoln species.
This Ringneck is found across open country in central Victoria, NSW and into southern Queensland.
Cloncurry Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius macgillivrayi)
Cloncurry Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius macgillivrayi)
Last up is the Cloncurry Ringneck. These Ringneck are even paler, a pastel version of the PL race, being all pale yellow, green and blue. They are only found, surprisingly enough in the Cloncurry area, although they do have quite a large range.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse