plum headed parakeet

The Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) is a stunningly colorful member of the parrot family, renowned for its elegance and musical calls. Native to the Indian subcontinent, this species is a favorite among bird enthusiasts for its striking sexual dimorphism and graceful flight.

Measuring approximately 36 cm in length, these birds are medium-sized parakeets with exceptionally long tails. Males are easily identified by their brilliant plum-red heads that transition into a bluish-purple hue towards the back. Females, in contrast, have a bluish-grey head and lack the black neck ring found on the males. Both sexes feature a vibrant green body and a long, slender tail tipped with white.

The Plum-headed Parakeet primarily inhabits open woodlands, deciduous forests, and agricultural areas. They are widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Nepal. Unlike some other parakeets, they prefer areas with plenty of trees but avoid the densest rainforests.

Their diet is diverse and changes with the seasons. Key food sources include:

• Fruits: They are particularly fond of wild figs, guavas, and various orchard fruits.
• Seeds and Grains: They often forage in agricultural fields for rice, maize, and sunflower seeds.
• Nectar and Blossoms: During the flowering season, they consume nectar and petals from trees like the Silk Cotton tree.
• Nuts: Small wild nuts provide essential fats.

These birds are cavity nesters, typically choosing holes in tree trunks often excavated by woodpeckers or barbets. The breeding season usually runs from January to May. A typical clutch consists of 4 to 6 white eggs, which are incubated by the female for approximately 24 days while the male provides food.

The Plum-headed Parakeet is a highly social species, often seen in small groups or large communal roosts. They are known for being less noisy and aggressive than the Ring-necked Parakeet. Their flight is swift and direct, characterized by rapid wing beats and agile maneuvering through the canopy.

Currently, the Plum-headed Parakeet is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. While they are still common in the wild, they face ongoing threats from habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade.

1. Young males do not develop their signature plum-colored head until they reach maturity at about two years of age.
2. The long tail feathers can account for more than half of the bird's total body length.
3. Their call is a distinctive, musical 'tooi-tooi' which is much softer than the screeching of other Psittacula species.
4. They are often called the 'gentleman' of the parakeet world because of their docile nature.

• Visit fruiting orchards or forest edges during the early morning or late afternoon for the best sightings.
• Carry a good pair of binoculars to distinguish the subtle grey-blue head of the female from the environment.
• Listen for their unique musical whistling, which is a key indicator of their presence in the canopy.

The Plum-headed Parakeet is a vibrant symbol of South Asian avian beauty. From its unique plumage to its social behavior, it remains one of the most captivating parakeets to observe in the wild. Protecting their natural woodland habitats is essential to ensuring these 'gentlemen' of the bird world continue to thrive.