Roosting Requirements and Habits of Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula Krameri: Borealis) In A Canal-Irrigated Plantation in Central Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The rose-ringed parakeet (Psiitacula krameri borealis), of the order ‘Psittaciformes’, has wide feeding niche, inhabiting sufficiently large roosts among diversified cultivations of Central Punjab, Pakistan. This paper reports on the roosting habits and requirements of the parakeet in a canal irrigated plantation of Central Punjab, Pakistan. Observations, extended for period of five months, among the selected sub-habitats comprised roosting habits viz. allo-feeding, allo-preening, parakeet exits and returns, and tussles with other birds. Of their significant findings 36.17±4.25, 30.83±3.88, 16.74±2.28, 18.02±1.87, 32.00±3.12 and 31.80±3.89 respectively. For all these roosts, population richness of rose-ringed parakeet was maximum at the University Campus, with large experimental crops throughout the year, with sufficient numbers of old and tall trees which served as their roosts. For roost requirements, tussles existed between the parakeets and other birds’ in commensurate with suitable ecological conditions viz. temperature, relative humidity, predation, and short distance from their roosts, to increment benefits.