The alexandrine parakeet is an Indian rose-ringed parakeet commonly known as the Alexandrine parrot. It is well-known for its high intelligence, eye-catching beauty, and incredible talking ability.
However, scientifically, it is named psittacula eupatria.
In this article, we provide complete details regarding the behavior, habits, and feeding of Alexander Raw Parrot. So, if you have any relevant queries, keep reading!
Let’s discuss their striking features in detail.
All About Alexendrine Parakeet:
They are also gentle, loyal, and independent bird species.
However, due to the increasing trend of rich people, it was becoming famous in the trading community.
From the Alexander emperor until now, it has been a most demanding bird among fanciers. They like them because of their increasing breed.
| Good to Know: Alexandrines, named after Alexander the Great, transported numerous birds from Punjab to European and Mediterranean, where they were popular among the upper class. Source: Wikipedia |
Color
Green is the dominant color in Alexandrine parakeets. The light blue-grey sheen on the cheeks enhances its beauty. A nape on the back of the neck usually appears during 7 weeks of age.
A large red beak with a yellow tip is used to hold food. A red patch on the shoulder and the yellow-green abdomen combination of alexandrine parakeet fascinates the looks even more.
If we look at the tail of Alexandrine Parrot – the tail is green at the top while at the end, it is blue, but the tip of the tail is yellow.
Tring at the male’s neck, which appears after two years, is blank or pink. The eye and lower cheeks have faint black stripes. There are red patches on the shoulder.
The bold maroon patches on Alexandrine raw parrot’s body differentiate it from its Indian ring-necked parakeet cousin.
Size and Shape
Alexandrine parakeet is an independent, gentle, and medium-sized parrot with a length ranging from 56 to 62 cm and a tail measuring 28 to 35 cm long.
The average weight of a parakeet is 200 to 300 grams.
It has a large head and bill and a long tapered tail. The sleek body makes it look beautiful. Male Adult parakeets have a pink band on their nape and black stripes on their ross lower cheeks, whereas females don’t.
Furthermore, comparing the tail feathers of a male or female alexandrine parakeet, young male parakeets are similar to females but have shorter tails.
Diet and Nutrition
To keep Alexandrine healthy, add some fresh fruits and veggies to their diet as they contain all the essential nutrients.
They also like grains or pellets, seeds, and nuts. Sunflower seeds are their favorite food.
Moreover, the best thing is that they are not fussy eaters and quickly adapt to the foods you give them.
However, they usually depend on their parents until 3 to 4 months of age.
Speech
They are talkative and have a deeper, harsh, and resonant voice. They are known to imitate human speech, alarms, and ring bells.
However, their voice becomes harsher when alarmed.
When alarmed, their voice becomes deep and harsh while mobbing, and they shriek loudly.
Behavior and Personality
One of the best types of parakeet and talkative species with an ability to amass an impressive vocabulary.
Unlike other species, they get familiar with their owners and their families. Even they love to call their names, just like his cousin Ring-Necked parakeet.
They want special attention and like to roam with their owner out of the cage. They enjoy playing with toys. These parrots are curious. But with proper care and attention, you develop a strong bond with them.
Distribution
The natural habitat of Alexander Parakeet is East India to Hyderabad. Andhra Pradesh in South India and Sri Lanka are also their native regions.
However, subspecies are found in Northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Andaman Island, Coco Island, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.
Habitat
They like to live in small flocks during the day, while at night, they roost in large flocks and live on tall trees upto 3000 feet long.
Moreover, they live on agricultural lands, woodlands, and forests. But as pets, they like to live in large cages.
Lifespan:
The average lifespan of Alexandrine Parakeet is between 20 to 30 years however, some birds reach up to 40 years. The difference in lifespan depends upon several factors like lifestyle, diet, and the environment.
Breeding:
In their native range, at sexual maturity, three to four years of age, they start to breed. They usually breed between November to April.
But before the breeding season arrives, the male partner has to gain the trust of the female. He does stretching and bowing of their wings, does eye flashing, and supplies females with food.
In captivity, breeding is very easy. The owner must set males and females in a proper environment before mating season.
When the breeding season starts, the female parakeet lays 2-4 eggs that usually hatch after 26 days.
After 7-8 weeks, the chicks leave the nest. At the age of 10 weeks, they are completely weaned.
Types of Alexander Parrot
There are subtypes of Alexandrine Parrot.
- Nominate Alexandrine Parakeet
- Large Burmese Parakeet
- Large Indian Parakeet
- Laos Alexandrine Parakeet
- Large Andaman Parakeet
The Health of Alexander Parakat
As a pet owner, we only care for a healthy parakeet.
Alexander is one of the best pets in terms of health. However, they are susceptible to bacterial infection, psittacosis, polyomavirus, and aspergillosis.
If they have Vitamin A, they are also prone to bumblefoot and have bad perches. If they become overweight, there are also increased chances of atherosclerosis.
Potential Challenges of Owning Alexandrine Parakeet
Owning Alexandrine parakeets is not as difficult as many things. They are friendly and develop a strong bond with their owner. However, you can face challenges if you never have Alexandrine before.
- Alexandrine parakeets love to chew, so providing them with toys or chewing wood is compulsory.
- They demand high attention.
- You should take proper maintenance of the cage.
- They are loud and talkative.
- They remain stuck to them once they develop a strong bond with their owner.
FAQs
When does Alexandrine Parakeet talk?
Their talking age begins at eight months to 12 months. Some also start talking after one year. But till then, they start mumbling words.
Do Alexandrine Parakeets get Aggressive?
They are relatively quiet. Despite its larger size, it can be intimidated by smaller and larger birds.
What is the size of a breeding box?
The average size of the breeding box is 25 x 25 x 50 cm for a single pair.
Final Words For Alexandrine parakeet
The Alexandrine raw parrot is closely related to the Indian ring-neck parrot and belongs to the family Psittacula.
They are gentle, quite talkative, and independent birds. Adult parrots are dimorphic, and males have slender bodies with tapered tails. They are very friendly and quickly get familiar with the whole family.
Furthermore, they love to spend time with their owner and feed on all types of fruits and veggies. If you plan to have a parrot as a pet, then Alexander Parakeet is best.