The Alexandrine parakeet, also known as the Alexandrine parrot, is a medium-sized parrot in the genus Psittacula of the family Psittaculidae, native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is named after Alexander the Great, who transported numerous birds from Punjab to various European and Mediterranean countries and regions, where they were prized by the royalty, nobility and warlords.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Inhabits a wide range of wooded habitats including dry and moist deciduous forest, evergreen forest edges, riverine woodland, and mangroves. Frequently uses plantations, orchards, agricultural mosaics, and urban parks with mature trees. It prefers areas with tall nesting trees and a mix of canopy and open edges for foraging. Outside its native range, small introduced populations occur in some cities in Europe and the Middle East.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named after Alexander the Great, the Alexandrine parakeet is one of the largest members of the genus Psittacula. The maroon shoulder patch distinguishes it from the similar rose-ringed parakeet. It is a capable mimic and adapts well to human-altered landscapes, but trapping and habitat loss have caused declines in many areas.
Female eating jowar
Male P. e. nipalensis attending to a nest in a tree hole in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Alexandrine parakeet in Mysore
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
swift, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, gathering in larger groups at communal roosts. Nests in natural tree cavities, often reusing favored sites year after year. Forms strong pair bonds; typical clutches contain 2–4 eggs and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing calls and sharp screeches carry over long distances. It also produces chattering contact calls and can mimic human speech in captivity.
Plumage
Primarily green with a glossy sheen, long tapered tail with bluish tones, and distinct maroon shoulder patches on the wing coverts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds, grains, nuts, fruits, and flower buds. Takes cultivated crops such as millet, rice, and maize when available, and visits orchards for mango, guava, and other fruits. Also consumes nectar and tender leaf shoots, especially during the dry season when fruits are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages in the canopy and along forest edges, shifting to farmland, orchards, and village trees where food is abundant. In urban areas it frequents parks and roadside avenues with large flowering or fruiting trees.
