How to identify the Plum-headed Parakeet

To correctly identify the Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

33-37 cm (including tail)

Wingspan

Approximately 15-17 cm (wing chord)

Weight

60-85 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   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.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Pale yellow to whitish iris with a dark pupil

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Greyish-green

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

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

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

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

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   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.

Key field marks

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tail. Note the long, pointed tail with a yellow tip, which is characteristic of Psittacula parakeets.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their characteristic sharp, high-pitched 'tui-tui-tui' or 'kee-kee-kee' calls, especially when in flight or in flocks.

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