The grey-headed parakeet is closely related to the slaty-headed parakeet which together form a super-species. It is found in Southeast Asia from north-eastern India to Vietnam.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the foothills of northeast India and Bangladesh east through Myanmar into southwest China (Yunnan) and south through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It favors forested landscapes, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, wooded foothills, and edges near cultivation. Birds commonly use riverine corridors and secondary growth where fruiting trees are abundant. They roost communally and range widely in search of seasonal crops and wild fruits. Local movements occur following food availability.
Altitude Range
100–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The grey-headed parakeet forms a superspecies with the slaty-headed parakeet, and the two can occur near each other in parts of the eastern Himalayas. It is often seen in small, noisy flocks commuting between roosts and feeding trees. Trapping and forest loss have affected local numbers in parts of its range.
From Khonoma, Nagaland, India.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Often travels in small to medium-sized flocks outside the breeding season and roosts communally in tall trees. Pairs form during the breeding period and nest in tree cavities, sometimes reusing old woodpecker holes. Clutches are typically several white eggs, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, ringing parakeet calls that carry over long distances, especially in flight. Contact calls are rapid, repeated notes, while perched birds give chattering series and harsher squawks when alarmed.
