© asiraj / stock.adobe.com
The Alexandrine Parakeet can be recognized by its predominantly green plumage and bright red beak.
Originally from South Asia, the Alexandrine Parakeet owes its name to Alexander the Great, who is believed to have brought this magnificent parrot back from India during his campaigns. Once a status symbol among nobility, this green avian beauty is now a popular ornamental bird, although it does require a fair bit of space.
The Alexandrine Parakeet is a parrot from the genus of nobler parakeets. It can attain a body length between 48 and 62cm and a weight of up to 260g. Therefore, this bird from Asia is the largest of the noble parakeets. There are four known subspecies, in addition to the nominate form (Psittacula eupatria eupatria):
The predominantly green plumage and the strong, bright red beak are typical for the Alexandrine Parakeet. The head and underside are slightly paler in colour. A reddish-brown patch can be seen on the shoulders.
Its body shape is slim and elongated. The long tail feathers are blue-green with yellow tips. Furthermore, various colour mutations exist in this bird species, including yellow, white, blue, and pied animals.
The males and females look quite similar, which is why sex determination is often not straightforward. However, the male has a black and pink neck collar that the female lacks. Females are also slightly smaller and paler.
Male juveniles are coloured like females. They develop the distinctive neck collar only upon sexual maturity. The eyes of the young birds are black and only in adulthood do they acquire the typical pale-yellow colour.
At first glance, these two green parrots can be easily confused. However, the Alexandrine Parakeet is significantly larger, which is why it is also known as the “Large Alexandrine Parakeet” to help distinguish between the two species. The Ring-necked Parakeet, on the other hand, is known as the “Small Alexandrine Parakeet”.
Moreover, the Alexandrine Parakeet has a red patch on the wing coverts and a completely red beak. The Ring-necked Parakeet’s beak features black tones.
Alexandrine Parakeets are social birds that, in the wild, live in pairs or in small flocks. They are diurnal and have notably loud voices. Especially in the mornings, as they set out foraging, as well as in the evenings when settling in their roosting trees, their screeching calls can be heard.
Even in flight, the parrots like to make their deep voices heard. These birds are skilled, fast flyers, moving through the air with steady wing beats. During courtship, they use more of a chirping sound for communication.
Males and females usually live together monogamously. In the wild, these birds often use self-dug tree cavities as nesting sites.
Alternatively, they occupy former woodpecker holes. The hen lays two to four eggs, which she incubates alone. During this time, she is fed by her partner.
After an incubation period of 20 to 28 days, the naked chicks hatch and are cared for by both parents.
Within 35 to 50 days, the young become fledged but are still fed by the adults for approximately three more weeks. They reach sexual maturity at about 18 months of age.
Large noble parakeets like the Alexandrine Parakeet need a spacious aviary. The minimum recommended dimensions are 6m x 2m x 2.5m for a pair, provided that the agile birds receive daily flying time. Keeping these sociable birds alone is not an option.
For those hardy animals living in an outdoor aviary, a frost-free shelter must be provided. Alternatively, accommodation in a separate bird room is possible. In this case, a bird lamp with UV content should be used to replace the absent sunlight.
A room temperature between 18°C and 25°C and a relative humidity of at least 60% are ideal for these exotic birds.
The aviary should not be made of wood, as the gnawing-prone birds can quickly destroy the material with their strong beaks. Instead, a metal enclosure should be chosen.
Multiple perches, ropes, swings, toys, and branches from untreated fruit trees provide variety and entertainment.
A bathhouse is also eagerly encouraged. Please note Alexandrine Parakeets can do without other bird species like budgerigars as roommates – they do not socialise well with other birds.
Alexandrine Parakeets can be fed with seed mixes for large parakeets. These contain various seeds like millet, oats, wheat, and sunflower seeds.
Additionally, these ornamental birds need daily fresh food in the form of fruits, vegetables, and/or wild or kitchen herbs. Sprouted seeds, like sprouted millet, and millet sprays are excellent as a healthy treat.
Moreover, these green parakeets require daily fresh drinking water. Bird grit, cuttlebone, or a mineral block provide the necessary mineral supply and support healthy digestion. During their moult, the birds should receive additional protein food in the form of cooked eggs, insects, or larvae.
A robust bird by nature, the Alexandrine Parakeet can live for 20 to 30 years when kept in species-appropriate conditions and, in exceptional cases, even longer.
The right diet is crucial for a long, healthy avian life. The seed mix should not contain too many fatty seeds and nuts, such as sunflower and peanut kernels, to prevent the large parakeets from becoming overweight.
Added weight weakens the immune system and can strain the joints.
If the parrot shows typical signs of illness such as loss of appetite or weight, apathetic behaviour, or changes in droppings, it should be taken to a knowledgeable veterinarian.
Sudden behavioural changes, such as unusual tameness or withdrawal from the group, is also a reason for a vet visit.
The Alexandrine Parakeet is native to South Asia. The various subspecies can be found in regions ranging from Afghanistan through India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand to Laos.
The nominate form or hybrids of the various subspecies are usually kept as pets. The animals inhabit moist forest areas, and cultivated landscapes such as fields and orchards.
There, the parakeets often cause significant damage, leading to farmers driving them away. The species is currently categorised as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN. Habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade have contributed to the decline in populations.
The Alexandrine Parakeet was named after the Macedonian king Alexander the Great, who is thought to have brought the splendid bird back from his conquests around 326 BC from India to Europe.
Back in his homeland, the Alexandrine Parakeet became a status symbol among the nobility. Thus, this exotic bird has a venerable history of around 2,500 years as a domesticated pet in Europe, being the first parrot species introduced here.
© Roger Hagelstein1/Wirestock Creators / stock.adobe.com
Due to its impressive size, the Alexandrine Parakeet is one of the more rarely kept ornamental birds. Anyone interested in purchasing such a parrot should turn to a reputable breeder or visit a bird show. The price for one bird is around 350 to 650 pounds.
Alexandrine Parakeets are captivating creatures whose pretty plumage and intriguing social behaviour are sure to set a bird lover’s heart aflutter.
However, taking them on is a serious commitment: these large birds require a lot of space and have loud voices. Housing them in a spacious garden aviary with a shelter or in a separate bird room is advisable.
| Quick info: | Alexandrine Parakeets are large noble parakeets which must be kept at least in pairs. They have a loud voice. |
| Scientific name: | Psittacula eupatria |
| Body length: | 48-62cm |
| Weight: | 200-260g |
| Average lifespan: | 20-30 years |
| Price: | from approx. £250 |
| Behaviour: | Social, diurnal, agile |
| Plumage: | Green, reddish-brown patch on shoulders |
| Distinguishing Features: | Males have a black neck and pink collar band |
| Care Required: | Medium |
| Exercise Needs: | High |
| Origin: | South Asia |
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