The Alexandrine Parakeet or Alexandrian Parrot (Psittacula eupatria) is a member of the psittaciformes order and of the psittacines family.
The species is named after Alexander the Great, who is credited with the exporting of numerous specimens of this bird from Punjab into various European and Mediterranean countries and regions, where they were considered prized possessions for the nobles and royalty.
The species name eupatria has its origins from Latin and/or could be a Greco-Latin combination. Where the prefix eu translates into good or noble and the suffix patria is a Latin word translating into fatherland or ancestry. Consequently, the scientific name means of noble fatherland or of noble ancestry.
Physical Description:
The Alexandrine Parakeet is a large Parakeet species measuring 58 cm (23 in) in total length with a wingspan averaging 18.9–21.5 cm (7.5–8.5 in).
They weigh between 8.75 – 9.1 oz (250-260g)
It is mainly green with a blue-grey sheen on its cheeks and napes (back of a bird’s neck), particularly in males. The abdomen is yellowish-green, the upperside of the middle tail feathers is blueish-green, the upperside of the external tail feathers is green while the underside of the tail feathers are all yellow.
All Alexandrine Parakeets (irrespective of age, gender and/or sub-species) boldly display a maroon (reddish-brown) patch at the top of their wing coverts (commonly called ‘shoulder’ patch). The shoulder patch is seen in parakeets at their first feathering before fledging from their nests. The lower and upper mandible are red with yellow tips. The adult’s irises are yellowish-white and the periopthalmic rings are light grey. The legs are grey except in the P. e. siamensis (Laos’ or Siamese sub-species) where they are yellowish-grey.
The species is dimorphic in adulthood (3 years and older). The immatures are monomorphic and are similar but duller in appearance to that of the adult females. Adult males always show pitch-black neck rings and large pink bands on their napes (commonly called nape bands). Often males only display a little band of blueish-grey above their bold pink nape-bands. Adult females frequently show neck ring shadows that are anywhere between light and dark shades of grey. Females never display true black feathers in their neck-rings. Immatures of either genders are very similar to adult females but as with all genuine parakeet species, the young Alexandrine Parakeets always display shorter middle-tail feathers and thus shorter tails than adults. The adult feathering usually is acquired between 18–30 months of age, but may sometimes show up as young as 12 and/or as old as a full 36 months of age. Consequently, it may be difficult to identify the sex Alexandrine Parakeets by sight with absolute certainty until they are a full 36 months of age.
The young males can be identified as soon as they display one (or more) pitch-black feathers of their neck rings and/or one (or more) pink feathers of their nape bands. Often, the young males develop their neck rings and nape bands in two or sometimes three successive moulting seasons. Adult parakeets with neither pitch-black feathers in their neck rings nor pink feathers in their nape bands are usually females.
Sub-species Identification
The P. e. nipalensis ssp. (Nepalese Alexandrine Parakeet) is the largest of the species measuring 62 cm (24.5 in) in total length with a wingspan averaging between 20–24 cm (8–9.5 in). It is thus recognized as the world’s largest genuine Parakeet (short to mid sized Long-Tailed Parrot) species. It looks much like the Nominate sub-species. However, the feathers on the chest and abdomen in both genders display whitish-grey sheens, the cheeks and napes (back of a bird’s neck) are washed with blue and the adult males display large pink nape bands.
The P. e. magnirostris ssp. (Andaman Island’s Alexandrine Parakeet) is slightly larger than the nominate sub-species, displaying a wingspan anywhere between 20–22.5 cm (8–9 in). It looks much like the nominate race. However, the feathers on the chest and abdomen in both genders display whitish-grey sheens. The maroon ‘shoulder’ patch is of a much redder (or less brownish) colour than of that of the nominate. The beak is larger and more massive. The adult males display large pink nape bands, the blue sheens above the nape-bands are restricted and sometimes absent in some specimens.
The P. e. avensis ssp. (Indo-Burmese Alexandrine Parakeet) is of same size as the nominate species, also measuring 58 cm (23 in), displaying a wingspan averaging anywhere between 19.4–22 cm (7.5–8.5 in) and looks much like the Nominate ssp. However, the top of the head and the nape are of a yellowish-green, the blue sheens are restricted to the cheeks and thus absent in the nape. The adult males display thinner and pinker nape-bands.
The P. e. siamensis ssp. (Laos or Siamese Alexandrine Parakeet) is the smallest of the species, measuring 56 cm (22 in), displaying a wingspan averaging anywhere between 17.9–20.5 cm (7–8 in) and looks much like the Nominate ssp. However, the top of the head and the nape display pale-blue sheens that extends to the crown in some specimens. The cheeks are yellowish-green, the ‘shoulder’ patch is of a nearly brownless red colour and the legs display a pronounced yellowish shade.
Five Sub-Species, differing in mostly minor plumage details and size:
- P. e. eupatria (nominate Alexandrine Parakeet),
- P. e. avensis (Burmese Alexandrine Parakeet),
- P. e. magnirostris (Andaman Island’s Alexandrine Parakeet) and
- P. e. siamensis (Laos or Siamese Alexandrine Parakeet).
Alexandrine Parakeet is a gregarious and noisy species, forming huge flocks at the evening roosts. Its flight is swift and direct, and the call is a loud scream, similar to, but deeper than Rose-ringed Parakeet, P. krameri.
Status:
Trapping pressure to cater to the demands of the pet trade have caused a drastic decline in this species. It is illegal to trade in Alexandrine Parakeets in India and yet these birds are sold in broad daylight in urban bird markets, suggesting that the Indian government is allocating insufficient resources towards the protection of this beautiful species.
Distribution and Habitat:
The following sub-species, many of them allopatric are recognised based on geographical distribution:
- Psittacula eupatria eupatria, Alexandrine Parakeet (nominate race) – East India to Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh in the South, Sri Lanka.
- Psittacula eupatria avensis, Indo-Burmese Alexandrine Parakeet – Northeast India to Amherst in Myanmar
- Psittacula eupatria magnirostris, Andaman Islands’ Alexandrine Parakeet – Andaman Islands
- Psittacula eupatria nipalensis, Nepalese Alexandrine Parakeet – Eastern Afghanistan, Pakistan, North and central India, Nepal, Buthan to Assam in Northeast India.
- Psittacula eupatria siamensis, Laos’ or Siamese Alexandrine Parakeet – Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, north and east Thailand
The species has naturalized (species that live and reproduce outside its natural distribution range) itself in numerous European countries. Particularly in Germany, in the south of England, in Belgium, in the Netherland where it generally lives among or along side flocks of naturalized Psittacula krameri (Ringnecked or Rose-ringed Parakeet).
The Alexandrine Parakeet’s call is a powerful screech but deeper than that of its very close-relative the Psittacula krameri (Ringnecked or Rose-Ringed Parakeet)
Aviculture
The bird is popular among aviculturists. It is ideal for outdoor aviaries and cannot tolerate temperatures less than 5 °C (41 °F). They breed well in aviaries. The parakeet is one of the oldest captive Parakeet species on the Eurasian continent. It gets its name from the legendary Emperor Alexander The Great, who had numerous specimens exported back to various Mediterranean countries by his legionaries. The parakeet has since then been popular among the nobles throughout the Empire’s Anatolian, European and Mediterranean countries.
Captivity
It is an active species, likes water (bathing, misting, raining and showering) and readily accepts diverse and/or new foods. It chews vigorously and hence it is important to keep the perch non-toxic without chemical products such as disinfectants, fungicide, insecticides or pesticides. The Alexandrine Parakeet has an average lifespan of 40 years in capitivity and as with all other parakeets, they are among the top mimics.
Natural breeding habits
Breeding season is from November to April in their natural distribution range.
Average clutch size is 2–4 eggs measuring 34.0 x 26.9 mm (1 x 1.3 in). The average incubation period is 28 days usually starting with the laying of the second egg. The chicks fledge around seven weeks of age. They are reared for about three weeks and are typically weaned between 12 to 16 weeks of age. They are critically endangered in Pakistan specially in Punjab province. This is mostly due to loss of habitat, like cutting of old tress and excessive poaching of their new born chicks. Although it is officially banned in Pakistan to sell these parrots but they can be found openly being sold in markets of Lahore.
Alexandrine Parakeets as Pets:
The Alexandrian originates from India and is well known for its mimicking abilities.
These intelligent birds make good pets for those willing to provide continual obedience training. If neglected or not given the appropriate training, Alexandrians become prone to feather picking and other behavioral problems.
The Alexandrian’s large and powerful beak has a strong bite and for this reason is not recommended as a pet for children.
A larger cage is required for the Alexandrian to accommodate its beautiful, long tapering tail.
(The above information and chart below has kindly been provided by Dr. Rob Marshall, Avian Vet – http://www.birdhealth.com.au)
Behavioral Challenges of the Ringneck Parrot and Behavioral Guidance (Training)
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Psittacula eupatria eupatria … English: Alexandrine Parakeet … Dutch: Grote Alexanderparkiet … German: Großer Alexandersittich … French: Perruche Alexandre | CITES II – Endangered Species
Distribution: Ceylon, southern India north to about Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Sub-species
Nepalese Alexandrine Parakeets: Please scroll up for further information.
Description: As eupatria, but breast and abdomen feathers of both sexes with marked grey-white tinge; cheeks and nape (back of the neck) suffused with blue; broad pink band to nape; larger | Length: Length: 62 cm (24.5 ins), wing length 200 – 240 mm (8 – 9.5 ins)
Distribution: Eastern Afghanistan, southern and eastern regions West Pakistan to northern and central India, Nepal, Bhutan, east Pakistan to Assam | CITES II – Endangered Species
Species: Scientific: Psittacula eupatria nipalensis … English: Nepalese Alexandrine Parakeet … Dutch: Nepalese Alexanderparkiet … German: Nördlicher Alexandersittich … French: Perruche Alexandre de Nepal
Andaman Island Parakeets: Please scroll up for further information.
Description: as eupatria, but breast and abdomen feathers in both sexes with grey-white tinge; broad pink band to nape (back of the neck); blue tinge to nape above pink band mostly very restricted, not occurring in some birds; shoulder patch lighter in many birds; bill larger and heavier; slightly larger | Length: 60 cm (24 ins), wing length 200 – 225 mm (8 – 9 ins)
Distribution: Andaman Islands | CITES II – Endangered Species
Species: Scientific: Psittacula eupatria magnirostris … English: Andaman Island Parakeet … Dutch: Andaman Eiland Parkiet … German: Andamanensittich … French: Perruche Alexandre du Andaman
Indo-Burmese Alexandrine Parakeets: Please scroll up for further information.
Description: as eupatria, but top of head and nape (back of the neck) is yellowish-green; blue tinge resticted to cheeks and absent from nape; band to nape narrow and pinker. | Length: 58 cm (23 ins), wing length 194 – 220 mm (7.5 – 8.5ins)
Distribution: Cachar district Assam, Burma south to Amherst | CITES II – Endangered Species
Species: Scientific: Psittacula eupatria avensis … English: Indo-Burmese Alexandrine Parakeet … Dutch: Birmese Alexanderparkiet … German: Birmesischer Alexandersittich … French: Perruche Alexandre de Birmani
Laos Alexandrine Parakeets: Please scroll up for further information.
Description: as eupatria, but back of head and nape (back of the neck) is washed pale blue, extending to crown in some birds; cheeks yellow-green; band to nape (back of the neck) narrow and pinker; shoulder patch more reddish; slightly smaller. … Length: 56 cm (22 ins), wing length 179 – 205 mm (7 – 8ins)
Distribution: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, northern and western Thailand | CITES II – Endangered Species
Species: Scientific: Psittacula eupatria siamensis … English: Laos Alexandrine Parakeet … Dutch: Laos Alexanderparkiet … German: Laos Alexandersittich … French: Perruche Alexandre du Thailande
Related Web Resources: Ringneck / Long-tailed Parakeets … Ringneck Photo Gallery … Ringneck parrots as Pets (Behavior and Training)
Alexandrines as Pets .. Description … Distribution in the Wild and Habitat … Sub-species
