Grey-headed Parakeet

The Grey-headed Parakeet, Psittacula finschii, presents a charming visage with its grey-green face and a head of dull green. A subtle pale green band graces the area below its cheeks to the hindcrown. Notably absent is a wing patch, and it boasts a notably long tail. This species pays homage to the German naturalist Otto Finsch through its binomial nomenclature.

Identification Tips

When observing these parakeets, look for the absence of a wing patch and the long tail which are distinctive features. The grey-green facial hue and the faint pale green band below the cheeks are also key identification markers.

Habitat

The Grey-headed Parakeet thrives in a variety of forested environments, including those dominated by oak, teak, pine, and cedar. It also adapts to deciduous forest hillsides and farmland peppered with trees. In Cambodia, it is a regular inhabitant of regions with evergreen and semi-evergreen foliage.

Distribution

This parakeet's range extends across Southeast Asia, from northeastern India through to Vietnam. It is a common sight in Laos, eastern Cambodia, northern Thailand, most of Myanmar, China's Yunnan province, and even reaches into the far southeast of Bhutan and the eastern extremities of Bangladesh, though it is exceedingly rare there.

Behaviour

Grey-headed Parakeets are sociable birds, often seen in flocks or family groups, and sometimes forming large gatherings at dusk to roost. They exhibit some seasonal altitudinal movement in search of food. Post-breeding season, which spans January to March, females typically lay clutches of 4-5 eggs, each measuring approximately 28.5 x 22.0mm.

Diet and Feeding

A varied diet sustains the Grey-headed Parakeet, including an array of leaf buds, seeds, fruits, berries, and flowers.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Grey-headed Parakeet as Near Threatened. Factors contributing to this status include the exotic bird trade, where they are often captured and kept as pets, particularly in southern China. Deforestation and logging pose significant threats to their natural habitats, although parts of Laos with uninhabited forest hills offer some refuge for the species.