Alexandrine Parakeet

1. Bird Name
English Name: Alexandrine Parakeet
Scientific Name: Psittacula Eupatria

2. Appearance
The Alexandrine Parakeet is a bird of captivating beauty. The predominant coloration is a lush green that covers most of their body, from the tips of their long, graceful tails to their stout necks. Their distinctively shaped bodies are decorated with patches of red and pink at the wing coverts, while the back of their heads and napes are swathed in a contrasting bluish-grey hue. Males sport a charming black stripe across their lower cheeks and a black and pink collar around their napes. Females, while just as beautiful, do not have the same black and pink markings. The bird’s beak structure is powerfully built and deep red in color, and their eyes are a vibrant yellow encircled by a grey eye-ring.

3. Size
The Alexandrine Parakeet is a large parrot, measuring 58 centimeters (22.8 inches) long on average, with a wingspan of approximately 18.9 inches. These birds have an average weight of 200 to 300 grams (7 to 10.5 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution
The natural home of the Alexandrine Parakeet is the lush forests and woodlands stretching across countries in Asia such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and regions of Southeast Asia. They have also adapted to human settlements where fruit, flower, and grain crops are available. However, their adaptability has seen them establish populations in several European locations like Spain and Greece and Asian regions such as Japan and Hong Kong, due to either deliberate or accidental release.

5. Interesting Facts
In the wild, Alexandrine Parakeets are known for their unique nesting style. They usually nest in tree holes, often those created by woodpeckers. This bird is also known for its strong flight, capable of maintaining a steady and powerful flight. In terms of cultural significance, the species was named after Alexander the Great, who is credited with exporting numerous specimens from Punjab into various Mediterranean and European countries.

6. Diet
The diet of an Alexandrine Parakeet consists primarily of seeds, fruits, nuts, and berries. However, they have also been known to eat blossoms and nectar.

7. Behavior & Sounds
One unique behavior of this bird species is their social nature. They are often seen in pairs or in large flocks. When it comes to communication, Alexandrine Parakeets typically emit deep, guttural calls. Their “Keeak Keeak” is easily recognizable, and in captivity, they are also known to mimic human speech quite accurately.

8. Conservation Status
Despite their wide distribution, the Alexandrine Parakeet is classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List due to a decline in their population stemming from habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, Alexandrine Parakeets have been known to live up to 25 years. However, in captivity, with the right care, they can have a lifespan reaching as long as 40 years.

10. Additional Notes
Alexandrine Parakeets are often named “Sissu” in Bangladesh and “Geen Galerita” in Indonesia. Interaction with humans varies, however, those in the pet trade are popular for their charisma and imitation skills. Their role in the ecosystem significant, especially in seed dispersion and aiding reforestation through their feeding habits. Despite their beauty, they are often regarded as pests in some cultures due to their raids on crop fields, and this sometimes triggers local culls. Conservation efforts to limit trapping and educate about their ecological role can help maintain the population of this majestic bird.