Alexandrine Parakeet

The Alexandrine parakeet, named in honor of Alexander the Great, is a medium-sized parrot native to the verdant expanses of South Asia and Southeast Asia. This bird is easily recognized by its predominantly green plumage, accented with a light blue-grey sheen on the cheeks and nape, and a striking red patch on the shoulders. The beak is a robust red with yellow tips, and the tail feathers transition from green to blue and end in a yellow tip.

Identification Tips

Males and females of this species can be distinguished by their markings. Males boast a black stripe across their lower cheeks and a pink band on their nape, while females lack these features. Juveniles resemble adult females but have shorter tails. The Alexandrine parakeet's large size, measuring up to 62 cm in length, and its massive beak make it one of the largest parakeets.

Habitat

These parakeets inhabit a range of environments, including forests, woodlands, agricultural lands, and mangrove forests, up to elevations of 900 meters.

Distribution

Originally from South and Southeast Asia, the Alexandrine parakeet has established feral populations in various Middle Eastern countries, living alongside the rose-ringed parakeet.

Behaviour

Typically found in small flocks, the Alexandrine parakeet can form larger groups in areas of abundant food or at communal roosts. They are known to cause significant damage to crops such as fruits and grains.

Song & Calls

Their vocal repertoire includes a variety of calls such as a ringing "trrrieuw," a loud "kree-aar," a deep "klak-klak-klak," and a resonant "gr-aak." When alarmed, their voice becomes harsher, and they can be quite vocal when mobbing predators.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from November to April, with nests typically found in tree hollows. Females lay 2 to 4 white eggs, and the chicks fledge at about 7 weeks of age, remaining dependent on their parents for several months.

Similar Species

The Alexandrine parakeet can be confused with the rose-ringed parakeet, but it is larger and has different vocalizations and markings.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of a variety of wild and cultivated seeds, buds, fruits, and nuts.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the Alexandrine parakeet as Near Threatened due to habitat loss, persecution, and capture for the illegal wildlife trade. Their numbers are declining in their native range, with significant population decreases noted in several regions.