Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius Variations and Possible Hybrid with Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus in South-western Queensland

Abstract

At Bowra Station, near Cunnamulla in south-western Queensland, between 5 and 7 November 2008, three distinct variations of Australian Ringnecks were observed at the bore overflow. The predominant subspecies was the Mallee Ringneck Barnardius zonarius barnardi, with 5–7 birds regularly coming to drink. In addition to these birds there were two different birds: one had markings consistent with Cloncurry Ringneck B.z. macgillivrayi, and one had a pale head and appeared to be a hybrid between a Mallee Ringneck and a Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus.