Alexandrine Parakeet

Taxobox
name = Alexandrine Parakeet
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1


image_width = 240px
image_caption = Male (left) and female (right)
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Psittaciformes
familia = Psittacidae
genus = "Psittacula"
species = "P. eupatria"
binomial = "Psittacula eupatria"
binomial_authority = (Linnaeus, 1766)The Alexandrine Parakeet ("Psittacula eupatria") is a mainly green parrot which is a resident breeder from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia. It undergoes local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds and blossoms which make up its diet. The Alexandrine Parakeet's habitat is forest, open woodland and cultivation. It is scarce in much of its range. It nests in holes in large trees, laying 2–4 white eggs. The Alexandrine Parakeet is a gregarious and noisy species, forming huge flocks at evening roosts. Its flight is swift and direct, and the call is a loud scream, similar to but deeper than that of the Rose-ringed Parakeet, "P. krameri".

Description

Alexandrine Parakeets are mainly green, measuring between 56 and 62 cm (22 & 24½ ins) with a tail up to 35 cm (about 14 ins) in length. The male's head is green with grey-blue cheeks and nape. There is a broad black neck ring and broad pink nape band. There is a brownish-red shoulder patch and the tail is yellow-tipped bluish-green. The bill is yellow-tipped red. Females and young birds lack the black neck ring and pink nape band and are duller.

Taxonomy

There are 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 Islands Alexandrine Parakeet),
*"P. e. nipalensis" (Nepalese Parakeet) and
*"P. e. siamensis" (Laos or Siamese Alexandrine Parakeet)

Nigell J. Collar suspects that these subspecies may not represent true sub species but clinal variation.Fact|date=April 2008 This is particularly so for the "P.e. nipalensis".

Conservation

Although the Alexandrine Parakeet is still considered a Least Concern species, trapping pressure to cater to the demands of the pet trade have caused a drastic decline in this species in the wild. It is illegal to trade wild-caught Alexandrine Parakeets in India; however, these birds are sold in broad daylight in urban bird markets, due to weak law implementation.

Aviculture

Hand-raised Alexandrine Parakeets are popular pets, known for their tameness, ability to talk and vivid coloring. However, they require a rather tall cage to accommodate their long tails and need wooden toys to keep themselves stimulated and to keep their beaks in shape. They are amongst the highest-fetching species of parakeets in the pet trade.

Gallery

Cultural depictions

* Thailand, Mongolia and Iran have issued stamps depicting the Alexandrine Parakeet.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

* "Birds of India" by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6

External links

Informative websites:
* [http://home.wanadoo.nl/psittaculaworld/Species/P-eupatria.htm Alexandrine Parakeet's Fact-Sheet describing the different sub-species & colour mutations]
* [http://www.mylittledarlings.com/alexandrines.html Webpage featuring excellent informations regarding the Alexandrine Parakeets in Aviculture & as Pet Parrots]
* [http://www.prettybirds.net/Alexandrine.htm Webpage featuring a great article on the Alexandrine Parakeets in Aviculture & as Pet Parrots]
* [http://www.featheredfamily.com/alexandrianringneck.htm Webpage dedicated to the Alexandrine Parakeet]
* [http://www.geocities.com/young_caleb/ Webpage filled with details and pictures of the development of a baby Alexandrine Parakeet from 4 weeks of age to complete wheaning]
* [http://www.birdtheme.org/country/thailand.html#15 Thailand's stamp picturing a pair of Alexandrines]

Conservation related links:
* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2004031902181000.htm&date=2004/03/19/&prd=th& Study showing decline of the Alexandrine Parakeet]
* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2006101013020500.htm&date=2006/10/10/&prd=th& Seizure in Jaipur, India]
* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2006050501780300.htm&date=2006/05/05/&prd=th 35 parakeets seized from a house]