The plum-headed parakeet is a species of parakeet in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent and was once thought to be conspecific with the blossom-headed parakeet before being elevated to a full species. Plum-headed parakeets are found in flocks, the males having a pinkish purple head and the females, a grey head. They fly swiftly with twists and turns accompanied by their distinctive calls.
Region
Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Found across much of India and Sri Lanka, with populations extending into Nepal and Bangladesh, mainly in lowlands and foothills. It occupies open woodlands, dry and moist deciduous forests, wooded farmlands, groves, and urban parks. The species prefers forest edges and secondary growth and is common in cultivated landscapes with scattered trees. It generally avoids dense evergreen rainforest and very arid desert zones.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Plum-headed parakeets show striking sexual dimorphism: males have a pinkish-purple head with a narrow black collar, while females have a grey-blue head without the bold collar. They were once considered conspecific with the blossom-headed parakeet but are now treated as a distinct species. These birds form noisy flocks, roost communally, and readily use tree cavities for nesting, often near human habitation.
Female foraging
Male
Pet parakeet
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
swift with rapid, undulating wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in small to medium flocks outside the breeding season and often joins mixed-species parakeet flocks at feeding sites. Pairs nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with both parents attending the young. They gather at communal roosts, sometimes in large numbers, especially after feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are ringing, metallic chirps and sharp, two- or three-note calls given in flight. At roosts and feeding sites they produce chatters and whistles; males may offer softer warbling notes during courtship.
Plumage
Predominantly green body with long, tapered tail; males show a rich plum-purple head with a black chin stripe and narrow black neck collar, bluish nape wash; females have a grey-blue head and lack the strong collar. Tail is bluish with yellowish tips to the central feathers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds, grains, and a variety of fruits and berries, including figs and guava. It also takes buds, blossoms, and nectar, and readily visits cultivated crops such as millet and sorghum. Foraging is opportunistic and often follows seasonal availability of fruiting and flowering trees.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and mid-story of trees along forest edges, orchards, and wooded farmlands. Frequently visits village groves, city parks, and roadside trees where food plants are abundant.
