Bird Name:

Plum-headed Parakeet

Latin Name:

Psittacula cyanocephala

Status:

Least Concern

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Psittaciformes

Family: Psittacidae

Genus: Psittacula

Species: P. cyanocephala

General Information:

The Plum-headed Parakeet is a species of parrot that occurs throughout South Asia. It lives in flocks and is considered a quite social species.

Physical Description:

This species is about 13 inches in length, with a tail that can measure nearly 9 inches. This parakeet weighs approximately 66 to 80 g. The breeding male has generally light green plumage with a black chin strap. It has a red head that fades into bluish purple on the back of the crown. Its rump and tail are bluish green and there are red/maroon patches on the shoulders. The female has a grayish colored head and no patches on its shoulders. Juveniles can be distinguished by their green heads and shorter tail feathers.

Diet:

The Plum-headed Parakeet feeds on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, and leaf buds.

Habitat:

The Plum-headed Parakeet occurs in forests, woodlands, plains, and farmlands. They generally favor terrain with an elevation range between 1640 ft and 4920 ft. Its range spans across the Indian subcontinent, including areas in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Rameswaram Island. The Plum-headed Parakeet nests in tree holes.

Reproduction:

Unlike many other parakeets, the Plum-headed Parakeet does not mate for life. The female lays an average of 4 – 6 white eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 19 to 20 days, and the young fledge at about 6 – 7 weeks of age.

By: Tony Mandarich

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