Breeding performance of Ring-necked Parakeets Psittacula krameri in small introduced populations in southeast England

Abstract

Ring-necked Parakeet nests are inaccessible and the species' breeding success has been poorly studied. The reproductive output of feral parakeet nests in southeast England was investigated in 1997 and 1998; 175 nestboxes were sited in known breeding areas and monitored, and natural nests at heights of 10 m or lower were examined using a video camera and torch. Only one nestbox was occupied by a mature pair and the nest failed; the lack of nestbox occupation suggests that nesting cavities were not limiting. Twelve natural nests were monitored from laying to near fledging: seven in west London and five in southeast London. Breeding success was lower than in the native range, at 0.8 fledglings per nest, due to lower hatching success rather than smaller clutch sizes. Mean reproductive output in the larger west London subpopulation was 1.2 fledglings per nest, while in the smaller subpopulation the mean was 0.25 fledglings per nest, although the difference was not significant. Possible reasons for low breeding success are discussed.