Intermediate Parakeets

The Intermediate Parakeet ( Psittacula intermedia) or Rothschild’s Parakeet was endemic to the sub-Himalayan region, northern India. This parakeet has never been observed in the wild and is believed to be extinct.

This parakeet was described on the basis of about seven undated specimens. Individuals appearing like this species have been noted in captivity and while the type specimen was believed to be a hybrid between the Slaty-headed Parakeet ( Psittacula himalayana) and the Plum-headed Parakeet ( Psittacula cyanocephala)

However, it has been discovered that hybrids between these two subspecies differ considerably from the Intermediate Parakeet. Specimens caught on the plain of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and described in literature as Psittacula intermedia are not likely to belong to this subspecies.

Description:

This parakeet averaged 15 to 16 inches (~36 cm) in length — half of which is the tail.

The plumage was generally yellowish-green with a slaty-purple head bordered below by a broad black cheek stripe which becomes a narrow band across nape. The forehead, lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird’s head) and eye area had a pronounced pink tinge. The nape had a faint bluish-green ting.

There was a reddish-brown patch to wing-coverts and the under wing-coverts were bluish-green. The upperside of the tail feathers was purple with yellowish-white tips. The underside was yellow. The upper beak is reddish with a yellow tip, and the lower beak is yellowish. The irises were yellow and the feet grey.

The female had a smaller red wing patch and a more slaty head.

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Taxonomy:

Species: Scientific: Psittacula intermedia … English: Intermediate Parakeet … Dutch: Rothschilds Parkiet … German: Rothschilds Edelsittich … French: Perruche intermediaire

CITES II – Status extinct? / unknown. There are 7 museum specimens of unknown origin

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