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Alexandrine Parakeet
Psittacula eupatria


Alexandrine Parakeet

Content

Description:

Illustration Alexandrine Parrot

From between 50-62cm. in length and weighing between 198–258 grams.
The Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) has the forecrown, lores and crown bright green, merging to lavender-blue on cheeks, ear-coverts and back of the crown; faint dark line from back of cere to eye ring; narrow black band from the base of bill, laterally across the base of the cheeks, that binds with a wide collar pink around the back of the neck.

Nape, the mantle, scapulars, rump and uppertail-coverts greenish-grey. Upperwing-coverts smaller brown; rest of upperwing-coverts green (brighter and emerald body feathers). The primaries and secondaries greyish green with dark tips to the vane previous interns, Blackish below.

Underwing-coverts gray-green. The underparts brighter yellowish green, chest with grayish tint. Upper, the tail light green with yellow tip; undertail, golden yellow.

Bill red with paler tip: cere whitish; irises pale yellow; legs rose gray.

The female no black and pink markings neck and it is generally duller.

The immature It resembles the female (The males are sometimes distinguished by larger size).

Subspecies description
Subspecies
  • Psittacula eupatria Avensis

    (Kloss, 1917) – Similar to the subspecies Psittacula eupatria magnirostris but with the neck more yellow, the bill smaller and close blue neckband, reduced or absent. Yellower below the subspecies Psittacula eupatria nipalensis.


  • Psittacula eupatria eupatria

    (Linnaeus, 1766) – The species nominal


  • Psittacula eupatria magnirostris

    (Ball, 1872) – It differs from the subspecies Psittacula eupatria nipalensis by blue coloration above band pink, which it is more limited and sometimes non-existent and the pink band nape that is wider; swe other subspecies differs by having the bill Larger.


  • Psittacula eupatria nipalensis

    (Hodgson, 1836) – Larger and grayer than the species nominal, less lavender in head and wider black stripe mustache.


  • Psittacula eupatria siamensis

    (Kloss, 1917) – Cara and neck yellow, nape bluish. Slightly smaller than the subspecies Psittacula eupatria Avensis.

Habitat:

Video – "Alexandrine Parakeet" (Psittacula eupatria)

PSITTACULA EUPATRIA

The Alexandrine Parakeet It is distributed in a great variety of humid and dry forests and wooded lands., but also they are seen in cultivated areas, mangroves (for example, of Rhizophora mueronata on the islands of the bay of bengal) and coconut plantations, mainly in the lowlands up 900 meters above sea level; on Punjab province (Pakistan) extend areas of subtropical pines (Pinus roxburghii) and penetrates irrigated plantations in desert areas; ascend to the foothills of Himalaya in areas of trees (will Shorea) and riparian forests, rarely above the 1.600 m.

In the Bandhavgarh National Park, the Alexandrine Parakeet prefers forests more dense than the Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) and Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri).

Usually they found in small groups, but sometimes they form large flocks where food is plentiful and communal roosts, where birds can come together in one big tree.

Reproduction:

The nest of the Alexandrine Parakeet They found in tree cavities (for example, of Dalbergia, Shorea or Salmalia), palms or, very rarely, buildings, but generally far from human settlements.

The nest It comprises a chamber filled with wood shavings produced by barbets or woodpeckers during excavation or extension of the cavity; entry generally clean round.

The breeding season usually from November to December and from March to April, depending on the location (for example, February to March in the Punjab and andaman islands and from December to February in the center Burma).

The average size clutch is of 2-4 eggs measuring 34,0 x 26,9 mm. The incubation period average is 28 days usually after the placement of the second egg. The chicks leave the nest at about seven weeks of age. They are bred for about three weeks and usually are weaned between the 12 to 16 weeks of age.

Food:

Diet Alexandrine Parakeet It includes a variety of cultivated and wild seeds, flowers, nectar, grains, fruits and vegetables.

Considered serious pest in some places: the 70% their diet Pakistan comes from cultivated areas.

It feeds mainly early in the morning and afternoon.

Known foods include guava (Psidium guajava), nectar Salmalia, Butea and Erythrina, fleshy petals Bassia latifolia and young leaves of vegetables.

Distribution:

The situation in Afghanistan of the Alexandrine Parakeet is uncertain, possibly some group in the extreme northeast, about Jalalabad.
In Pakistan, isolated colonies Are and Peshawar, most widespread and frequent in the irrigated lowlands of Punjab; They are distributed from Punjab (India), foothills Himalaya and South of Nepal, throughout the India and Sri Lanka, as well as the east through Bangladesh.

In Bhutan and Assam in Burma Central and Southern (not found in northern), extending from northern Thailand, Central and North Cambodia and Laos and north to central and southern Viet Nam.

Present at the Islas Andaman (no al on Ten Degree Channel) and Narcondam (India) and in the Coco Islands (Bangladesh), bay of bengal.

Seasonal movements in some areas and in other locally nomadic.

generally common, but much rarer in the east and sporadically distributed by South India.

Decreasing in Sri Lanka, where it is now rare, especially in the north.

Sharp declines in Thailand and probably in other parts of Indochina.

Its appearance around some urban areas could be due to leaks.

Introduced in parts of Europe (Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Middle East (Turkey, Bahrein, United Arab Emirates, Iran) and Japan.

Subspecies distribution
Subspecies
  • Psittacula eupatria Avensis

    (Kloss, 1917) – South of Assam (Northeast of India) and Myanmar, but the area of ​​contact with the subspecies Psittacula eupatria nipalensis and Psittacula eupatria siamensis, It is unknown.


  • Psittacula eupatria eupatria

    (Linnaeus, 1766) – The species nominal


  • Psittacula eupatria magnirostris

    (Ball, 1872) – Islands bay of bengal, Andaman, Coconut and Narcondam.


  • Psittacula eupatria nipalensis

    (Hodgson, 1836) – Pakistan through Punjab (India) until Assam, Bangladesh, Nagaland and Manipur, including skirts Himalaya and Nepal, to the South , approximately I8° north; the contact area with the subspecies Psittacula eupatria Avensis, unknown.


  • Psittacula eupatria siamensis

    (Kloss, 1917) – West and north of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam.

Conservation:

State of conservation ⓘ


Status Near Threatened (UICN)ⓘ

• Current Red List of UICN: Near-threatened

• Population trend: Decreasing

This species has been upgraded from Least concern based on new information on population trends. Is listed as Near-threatened, Since, although it remains common in some areas and its status is clouded by feral populations, It is suspected to be subjected to population decline moderately fast due to the continuing loss of habitat, to unsustainable levels of exploitation, the pursuit and capture.

The Alexandrine Parakeet It is widely captured and sold as bird cage.

In Cambodia, nests theft and capture adults, They represent the main threats, It is one of the most sought after birds (F. Goes in some. 2013).

Despite the virtual disappearance of the species Thailand, chicks still appear in the illegal trade in bird markets Bangkok, although, possibly, its origin is Cambodia (P. Ronda in a little. 2013).

The illegal trade, as well as the destruction of nesting places, threat to species Pakistan (S. Khan in a little. 2013). in addition, It reported that the species is threatened by extensive poaching at the hands of local tribes Gujarat (V. Vyas in some. 2013).

Habitat loss and degradation are also grave threats. In Cambodia, use changes in the lowlands it has been rapid (R. Timmins in some. 2013) and rates of degradation and loss of lowland forests is expected to impact more on the species (F. Goes in some. 2013). Conversion rates of habitat Laos They are described as severe (JW Duckworth in litt. 2013).

Conservation Actions Proposed:

    – Conduct periodic surveys to monitor the population trend of the species.
    – Conduct surveys and assess the situation in Pakistan (S. Khan in a little. 2013).
    – Monitor rates of habitat loss and degradation through the distribution of the species.
    – Quantify the impact of harvesting for trade.
    – Enforcing trade restrictions.
    – Carry out awareness raising activities to discourage the capture and trade.
    – Increase the amount of suitable habitat that receives protection.

"Alexandrine Parakeet" in captivity:

The Alexandrine Parakeet is a popular bird among poultry. It is ideal for outdoor aviaries and cannot tolerate temperatures below 5°C.. They reproduce well in aviaries. This Psittacula It is one of the oldest species of captive parrots Eurasian continent. Named after the legendary Emperor Alexander the Great, he had numerous specimens exported by his legionnaires back to various Mediterranean countries. Since then, This parrot has been popular with the nobles of all the countries of Anatolia, European and Mediterranean Empire.

This is a kind active, He likes water and readily accepts different or new foods. It has a vigorous beak and therefore it is important to keep the perch free of toxicity and without chemicals such as disinfectants., fungicides, insecticides or pesticides. The Alexandrine Parakeet, like other parrots, They are among the best imitators.

With regard to its longevity, according to sources, one specimen was still alive after 30 years in captivity. In captivity, these parrots have been known that they can raise from the 4 years of age.

These birds Smart They make good pets for those willing to provide ongoing obedience training. If neglected, or appropriate training is given, the Alexandrine Parakeet it becomes prone to tear the feathers and other behavioral problems. The large and powerful beak of the parrot has a strong bite and therefore not recommended as a pet for children. a large cage is required to accommodate their beautiful, long narrow tail.

It is not a difficult species to breed, in fact usually successful.

Alternative names:

Alexandrine Parakeet, Alexandrine Parrot, Andaman Parakeet, Large Indian Parakeet, Large Parakeet, Rose-breasted Parakeet (English).
Perruche alexandre (French).
Grosser Alexandersittich, Alexandersittich (German).
Periquito-grande-alexandre (Portuguese).
Cotorra Alejandrina, Cotorra de Alexander (español).


scientific classification:

Carl Linnaeus
Carl Linnaeus

Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittaculidae
Genus: Psittacula
Scientific name: Psittacula eupatria
Citation: (Linnaeus, 1766)
Protonimo: Psittacus eupatria


Alexandrine Parakeet Images:



Especies del género Psittacula

Sources:

Avibase
– Parrots of the World – Forshaw Joseph M
– Parrots A Guide to the Parrots of the World – Tony Juniper & Mike Parr
– Birdlife

Photos:

(1) – Alexandrine Parakeet at Kowloon Park, Hong Kong By Charles Lam from Hong Kong, China (YummyUploaded by Snowmanradio) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(2) – Alexandrine Parakeet Alexandrine Parrot gold. A 17 year old pet parakeet at home in Mumbai By Rudolph.A.furtado (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
(3) – Alexandrine Parakeet (also known as the Alexandrine Parrot) at Rainbow Jungle (The Australian Parrot Breeding Centre), Kalbarri, Western Australia By Sheila Bradford [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(4) – An male Alexandrine Parakeet (also known as Alexandrian Parrot) in a tree By Sammy Sam [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(5) – Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria). A pair By derivative work: Snowmanradio (talk)Two_species_of_Psittacula_on_perch.jpg: Thomas Guignard [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(6) – Alexandrine Parakeet flapping her wings By Iamoarampage at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
(7) – Alexandrine Parakeet at Kowloon Park, Hong Kong By Charles Lam from Hong Kong, China (RestingUploaded by Snowmanradio) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(8) – Alexandrine Parakeet at Kowloon Park, Hong Kong By Charles Lam from Hong Kong, China (YummyUploaded by Snowmanradio) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(9) – Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria Melghat Tiger Reserve Maharashtra By Dr. Raju Kasambe (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(10) – A painting of an Alexandrine Parakeet, also known at Alexandrian Parrot, (originally captioned “Palæornis cucullatus. Hooded Parrakeet.”) by Edward Lear 1812-1888 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Sounds: David Edwards (Xeno-canto)

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