Species of the Day: Alexandrine Parakeet

Species Profile:

Genus: Psittacula
Species: eupatria
Adult Size: 58 cm; 22.6 in Adult Weight: 250-260g
Races Including Nominate: P.e. eupatria, P.e. nipalensis, P.e. magnirostris, P.e. avensis, P.e. siamensis

Adult Plumage:
P.e. eupatria: Male-faint black strip from lores to eye; wide black stripe across lower cheeks; broad pink collar around the nape of the neck; dark purple/red patch on inner secondary coverts; green/gray thighs; red bill; pale yellow eyes. Female-duller, with no black under cheeks. P.e nipalensis: overall color in both adults is gray/green; broader black stripe across lower cheeks; occiput and cheeks washed with blue; larger in size. P.e. magnirostris: Male-thin blue stripe on the nape of the neck above pink collar; brighter red spot on wings; larger in size; heavier bill. Female-as in eupatria, but with a larger bill. P.e. avensis: Male-as in nipalensis, but thin blue stripe on the nape of the neck, occasionally absent; yellow/green neck and underbelly; smaller bill. Female-as in nipalensis, but smaller bill. P.e. siamensis: male-as in avensis, but occiput and nape suffused with blue; paler, larger red spot on wings; yellowish face and neck. Female-as in avensis, but with a yellowish neck and face.

Call: Harsh and loud in general; described as ringing, loud, deep and scolding. Shrieks accompany mobbing of predators when alarmed. Flocks will excitedly chorus together.

Care in Captivity:

Pet Suitability:
Can be loud; but can also mimic; playful and energetic. 
Captive Status:
Well established in Australia, less so elsewhere.
Longevity:
25-30 yrs 
Housing:
Metal and/or welded mesh construction - wood easily destroyed with powerful beak; walk-in aviary, minimum length 4.5m (14.76 ft). 
Diet:
Fruits such as: apple, pear, orange, banana, cactus fruits, pomegranate, forming about 30 % of the diet; fresh vegetables such as carrot, celery, green peas, beans, fresh corn, green leaves; spray millet and limited mixed seed, cooked/sprouted beans and pulses, complete kibble. 
Enrichment:
Swings, bird-safe chewable wood and pine cones, ladders, vegetable tanned leather toys, foot toys, climbing ropes, bathing, push and pull toys.

Status in the Wild:

Range:
P.e. eupatria: Sri Lanka and Indian peninsula.
P.e. nipalensis: East Afghanistan, Eastern and Southern Pakistan, Central India to Nepal, Bhutan and Assam to Bangladesh.
P.e. magnirostris: Andaman Islands and nearby Coco Islands, Bay of Bengal.
P.e. avensis: Cachar district of Assam to Soutern Burma.
P.e. siamensis: Northern and Western Thailand to Cambodia, Central Laos, rarely in north; and South-Central Vietnam.
Habitat:
Found in variety of moist and dry forests and woodlands. Also found in cultivated areas and mangroves. Found up to 900m (2952ft).
Ecology:
Occurs in small flocks but forms bigger groups where food is abundant and at communal roosts where birds from a large area may gather in one large tree.
Wild Diet:
Eats variety of wild and cultivated seeds, flowers and flower buds, nectar, grain, fruit and vegetables.
Threat Summary:
Declining in Sri Lanka, is heavily traded in wild bird market.
IUCN Rating:
Least Concern  
CITES Rating:
Appendix II