The slaty-headed parakeet is the only psittacid species to exhibit altitudinal migration. The species' range extends from Pakistan, to Western Himalayas in India through Nepal and Bhutan and up to the Eastern Himalayas in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. They descend to the valleys in winter, approximately during the last week of October.
Region
Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occurs from northern Pakistan across the Western Himalayas of India through Nepal and Bhutan to the Eastern Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh, with some records along adjacent southern Tibetan and foothill zones. It favors mature montane broadleaf and mixed conifer forests, oak-rhododendron woodlands, and forest edges with nearby clearings. During winter it regularly descends into river valleys, foothill towns, and agricultural mosaics. It may frequent orchards and gardens where fruiting trees are available. Roosts communally in tall trees near feeding areas.
Altitude Range
600–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This Himalayan parakeet is notable for being the only psittacid known to perform regular altitudinal migration, breeding higher on forested slopes and descending into valleys in winter. It forms noisy flocks outside the breeding season and often visits orchards and cultivated edges. Males show a small maroon shoulder patch that females lack, aiding quick field identification.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically in small to medium flocks outside the breeding season, often mixing with other parakeets. Nests in tree cavities, usually high in mature forest, with pairs forming within loose colonies. Breeding generally occurs in spring to early summer, with both parents tending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal altitudinal migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp, ringing screeches and chattering series given in flight and from perches. Contact notes carry far across valleys, while perched birds exchange softer, rolling chatter within flocks.
Plumage
Green to yellowish‑green body with a distinctly slaty-grey head; long, graduated tail with bluish central feathers and yellowish tips. Males show a maroon wing patch on the median coverts and a narrow black nape/neck line; females lack the maroon patch and have subtler collar markings. Underparts are lighter green, and the tail shows bluish hues from below.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds, fruits, berries, and flower buds, including wild figs and various Himalayan broadleaf species. It also takes nectar and tender leaf shoots when available. In agricultural areas it may sample cultivated fruits and grains, especially during winter valley movements.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest canopy, along edges, and in secondary growth with fruiting trees. Often visits orchards, village trees, and riverine groves during winter descents.
