The red-breasted parakeet is a parrot native to Southeast Asia. It is among the more widespread species of the genus and is the species which has the most geographical variations. It is easily identified by the large red patch on its breast. An alternative name is the moustached parakeet depending on subspecies. Most of the subspecies are confined to minuscule islands or a cluster of islands in Indonesia. One subspecies occurs in the Andaman islands, and one subspecies occurs in continental Southeast Asia and partly extending to northeastern parts of South Asia along the foothills of the Himalayas. Some of the island races may be threatened by the wild bird trade. The nominate race, which occurs in Java, is close to extinction.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
The red-breasted parakeet inhabits lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, wooded farmlands, and mangroves. It frequently uses secondary growth, plantations, and orchards, and can occur in suburban parks and gardens where mature trees provide cavities. The species ranges across parts of continental Southeast Asia, the Andaman Islands, and numerous Indonesian islands, with many subspecies restricted to small island groups. It roosts communally and often forages in mixed flocks, shifting locally with food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also known as the moustached parakeet in some references, it is instantly recognized by its rosy-red breast and dark moustache-like face stripe. It shows considerable geographic variation across many islands and parts of mainland Southeast Asia. Trapping and habitat loss have caused declines in several subspecies, and the nominate Javan form is near extinction in the wild. It readily adapts to secondary habitats and sometimes persists in urban parks and plantations.
Female, Bangladesh
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small to medium-sized flocks, often joining communal roosts in tall trees. Nests in natural tree cavities or occasionally in old woodpecker holes, with pairs forming strong bonds. Breeding is seasonal and varies across its range, often coinciding with fruiting peaks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, ringing screeches and chattering calls, often given in flight. At roosts and feeding sites it produces a mix of harsh notes and softer contact calls, creating a noisy, busy soundscape.
