Alexandrine parakeet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexandrine parakeet |
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| Male | |
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| Female | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Psittacula
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| Species: |
eupatria
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| Native range of Psittacula eupatria | |
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Psittacus eupatria Linnaeus 1766 |
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The Alexandrine parakeet, Psittacula eupatria, is a large, beautiful green parrot. It is one of the biggest parakeets in the world. These birds are named after Alexander the Great. He is believed to have brought them from Asia to Europe. Alexandrine parakeets live in many parts of Asia. This includes countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. You can also find small groups of them living wild in some European cities, such as Wiesbaden, Mainz, and Cologne.
Discover the Alexandrine Parakeet
The Alexandrine parakeet is a very popular pet bird. It is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds. These birds can live for a long time, sometimes over 30 years. They are social birds and often live in small flocks.
What Does an Alexandrine Parakeet Look Like?
Alexandrine parakeets are mostly green. They have a large red patch on their wings. Adult males have a black stripe around their neck. They also have a pink band on the back of their neck. Females and young birds do not have these neck stripes. Their tails are long and pointed. They have a big, strong red beak. This beak helps them crack open tough nuts and seeds.
Where Do Alexandrine Parakeets Live?
These parakeets are native to a wide area in Asia. They prefer forests, woodlands, and farmlands. They are often seen near human settlements. This is because they can find food easily there. They build their nests in tree holes. Sometimes they use old holes made by other birds.
Their Natural Home in Asia
In Asia, they live in tropical and subtropical areas. They like places with lots of trees. They can be found from the foothills of the Himalayas to the plains. They adapt well to different environments. This helps them survive in many places.
Wild Colonies in Europe
Some Alexandrine parakeets have escaped from captivity in Europe. They have formed wild groups, called feral colonies. These colonies are growing in some cities. They show how adaptable these birds are. They can survive even in colder climates.
What Do Alexandrine Parakeets Eat?
Alexandrine parakeets are mostly herbivores. This means they eat plants. Their diet includes a variety of foods. They love fruits, nuts, seeds, and berries. They also eat flower buds and nectar. Sometimes, they visit farmlands to eat crops. This can cause problems for farmers.
Foraging Behavior
These birds spend a lot of time looking for food. They use their strong beaks and feet to hold food. They are very skilled at cracking open hard shells. They often eat in groups. This helps them stay safe from predators.
How Do Alexandrine Parakeets Behave?
Alexandrine parakeets are very active birds. They are often seen flying in noisy flocks. Their calls are loud and distinct. They communicate with each other using various sounds. They are known for their playful nature.
Breeding and Family Life
The breeding season usually happens in spring. They lay about 2 to 4 eggs. Both parents help to raise the chicks. The chicks stay in the nest for several weeks. After they leave the nest, their parents still feed them for a while.
Images for kids
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Painting of an Alexandrine parakeet made between 1770 and 1786.
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Male (left) and female (right).
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Male P. e. nipalensis eating fruits in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
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Female eating jowar.
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Male P. e. nipalensis at nest inside tree hole in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
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Hellenistic mosaic floor panel of an Alexandrine parakeet, made in the acropolis of Pergamon (near modern Bergama, Turkey) during the middle of the 2nd century BCE.
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See also
In Spanish: Cotorra alejandrina para niños
