This is the most familiar parakeet in the world, although it is commonly referred to as a parrot. True parrots do not occur at all in India. The Rose-ringed Parakeet is an abundant breeding resident. It is undoubtedly the most common victim of the illegal bird trade and yet this does not seem to affect its abundance. The screeches of pairs, parties and large flocks are part of the noise of any city, wherever there are trees. In the post-breeding months huge numbers can be seen noisily traversing the sky in the early evening, en route to communal roosts in suitable plantations.

Trees are an essential part of their habitat because they feed on flowers, seeds and fruits and nest in tree holes.  Flocks also fly out to cereal crops and grain storage points, as well as orchards, and can cause a lot of damage. They almost certainly occur in every square on our maps. In the non-breeding season from about July to December, Rose-ringed Parakeets are very gregarious and roost communally. Flocks of up to 2,000 and even more are regularly recorded at favoured feeding and roost sites. In the breeding season it forms very close (and noisy) pair bonds and several pairs may nest close together, resulting in much squabbling and abrupt territory-defining flights around the nest-holes. They will excavate existing tree holes to the preferred size for nesting, which usually occurs in winter but often extends right up to the onset of the monsoon. They also readily utilise suitable holes in buildings, including bridges and dams.