Plum-headed Parakeet

About

The Plum-headed Parakeet is a medium-sized, slender parakeet native to the Indian subcontinent. It is renowned for the striking sexual dimorphism in its head coloration, with males sporting a vibrant plum-red head and females a duller grey-blue. These highly social birds are often seen in flocks, foraging for seeds, fruits, and nectar in various wooded habitats.

Size & lifespan

Length

33-37 cm (including tail)

Wingspan

Approximately 15-17 cm (wing chord)

Weight

60-85 g

Lifespan

15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 years in captivity

Diet

Herbivore (frugivore, granivore, nectivore)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Overall green plumage. Males have a distinctive plum-red head, fading to purplish-blue on the nape and cheeks, with a narrow black collar and a black chin stripe. Females have a grey-blue head, lacking the plum coloration, and a yellow-green collar. Both sexes have a prominent maroon patch on the wing coverts, a yellow-tipped tail, and a pale yellow lower mandible.

Beak shape

Strong, hooked beak. Males have a reddish-orange upper mandible and a pale yellow lower mandible. Females have a greyish-black upper mandible and a pale yellow lower mandible.

Eye color

Pale yellow to whitish iris with a dark pupil

Leg color

Greyish-green

Distinguishing features

Sexual dimorphism in head coloration (plum-red in males, grey-blue in females), maroon wing patch, and long, pointed tail.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adult females but have a duller green plumage, a greenish-grey head, and lack the distinct collar. Their upper mandible is orange-red, and the maroon wing patch is absent or very faint. The tail is shorter.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year, with variations primarily due to age and sex.

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced. Males have a plum-red head, black collar, and reddish-orange upper mandible. Females have a grey-blue head, yellow-green collar, and greyish-black upper mandible.

How to identify

1. 1

   Head Color (Male)

   Look for the distinctive plum-red head, which transitions to purplish-blue on the nape and cheeks. This is the most striking field mark for males.

2. 2

   Head Color (Female)

   Observe the grey-blue head, which is duller than the male's and lacks the plum coloration. This distinguishes females from males and other parakeet species.

3. 3

   Collar

   Males have a narrow black collar and a black chin stripe. Females have a yellow-green collar. Note the color and width of the collar.

4. 4

   Wing Patch

   Both sexes possess a prominent maroon patch on the wing coverts. This is a key feature to differentiate it from the Rose-ringed Parakeet.

5. 5

   Beak Color

   Males have a reddish-orange upper mandible and a pale yellow lower mandible. Females have a greyish-black upper mandible and a pale yellow lower mandible. This is a useful sexing characteristic.

6. 6

   Tail

   Note the long, pointed tail with a yellow tip, which is characteristic of Psittacula parakeets.

7. 7

   Vocalizations

   Listen for their characteristic sharp, high-pitched 'tui-tui-tui' or 'kee-kee-kee' calls, especially when in flight or in flocks.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, deciduous forests, open country with scattered trees, agricultural areas, orchards, and sometimes urban parks and gardens.

Geographic range

Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Its range extends from the Himalayan foothills southwards.

Elevation range

Sea level up to approximately 1500-2000 meters, occasionally higher in some regions.

Preferred environments

Prefers well-wooded areas, especially those with fruiting trees and access to water. Often found near human habitation where food sources are abundant.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal. Most active during the early morning and late afternoon, resting during the hottest parts of the day.

Feeding habits

Primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, flower nectar, and buds. Known to feed on cultivated crops, including grains and fruits, which can sometimes lead to them being considered agricultural pests. They forage in trees and shrubs, often hanging upside down to reach food.

Social behavior

Highly social birds, typically found in small to large flocks outside the breeding season. During breeding, they form monogamous pairs but may still forage in small groups. They are vocal and conspicuous.

Flight pattern

Fast, direct, and undulating flight with rapid wing beats. Often flies in compact flocks, making considerable noise.

Migration pattern

Mostly resident throughout its range, but some local or altitudinal movements may occur in response to food availability or seasonal changes. Not considered a long-distance migrant.

Territoriality

Pairs defend their nesting site during the breeding season, but foraging flocks are generally not territorial.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically from February to May, varying slightly with geographical location.

Nesting habits

Nests in tree hollows, often utilizing old woodpecker holes or natural crevices in tree trunks. They do not add nesting material, laying eggs directly on the wood dust or debris at the bottom of the cavity.

Clutch size

3-6 eggs

Egg description

White, oval, and smooth. Typically measure around 25-28 mm x 20-22 mm.

Incubation period

Approximately 21-24 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 6-7 weeks after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, though the female does most of the incubation. The male feeds the female during incubation.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look for Flocks. Outside the breeding season, they are highly social and often found in noisy flocks, making them easier to spot.
2. Listen for Calls. Their distinctive high-pitched calls are often the first indication of their presence, especially when they are flying overhead or foraging in dense foliage.
3. Check Fruiting Trees. Focus your search on trees that are currently bearing fruit, seeds, or flowers, as these are primary food sources.
4. Observe Roosting Sites. They often gather in large numbers at communal roosting sites at dusk, providing an opportunity for observation.
5. Early Morning/Late Afternoon. They are most active during these cooler parts of the day, making them more visible for foraging and movement.

Similar species

Quick facts

Head Color (Male):

Plum-red

Head Color (Female):

Grey-blue

Wing Patch:

Maroon

Social Behavior:

Highly social, often in flocks

Nesting:

Tree hollows

Diet:

Seeds, fruits, nectar

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Fun facts

• The Plum-headed Parakeet is one of the few parrot species where the male and female have distinctly different head colors, making sexual identification straightforward.
• They are known to be quite acrobatic while feeding, often hanging upside down to reach fruits and seeds.
• Despite their vibrant plumage, they can be surprisingly well-camouflaged in dense green foliage.
• In some parts of their range, they are considered agricultural pests due to their fondness for cultivated crops.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Psittaciformes

Family

Psittaculidae

Genus

Psittacula

Species

Psittacula cyanocephala

Explore the Plum-headed Parakeet