Wondering about the sex of my Ringneck

[aquila9791]

Hi ya'll. This is Dara, my 17-month-old African Ringneck. Wondering if you can help me figure out Dara's sex via the color or shape of their head.

Dara occasionally walks over to a mirror and will give it a little lick with eyes that pin, but not often. No heart-shaped wing motions.

Dara doesn't attempt to talk yet but does occasionally make a soft noise only associated with treats.

Thank you in advance!

 

[MelloYello]

Hi! I’m no expert vet, but from the photos it looks like your ring neck is a female! Male Ringnecks have the black ‘ring’ around their necks while females have only a faint shadow of it.

 

[aquila9791]

Thanks for responding! I’ve heard mixed things about when to expect a ring to develop, if it ever does. Should I be able to see one by now if Dara were male?

 

[MelloYello]

No problem, I’m happy to help! If she has gone through her first molt already then yes, if she does not have a ring then Dara is female.

 

[aquila9791]

Makes sense. Thank you!

 

[Jottlebot]

I would think if you had a male you would be seeing a ring either by now or very very soon. There is variation, but at 17 months - and with none of the heat winged behaviour you mentioned - I think it's 80% likely you have a lovely girl.