Plum headed parakeet : the fast flyers

Watching any bird (even the most common ones like pigeons, crows, babblers, robins, etc.) has always been fascinating for me , but spotting this particular bird for the very first time filled me with joie de vivre.

One of the obvious reasons of this euphoria was the addition of one more bird to my watch list. But, there were several other reasons too!

The exotic colour of their head is alluring but their flight pattern , with sudden, unexpected  twists and turns is rather breathtaking.

Here are some details about the flying machine:

Common names: plum headed parakeet , tuiya sugga.

Scientific name: Psittacula cyanocephala

Identification:

Male plum headed parakeet 

• The male has a red head and a purple-blue shade on back of crown and nape.
• It has a narrow black neck collar.

Visible shoulder patch, blue tail and white tip.

• The male has a red shoulder patch.
• The males have a black chin stripe that extends from lower part of the bill.
• The tail is bluish-green in colour with a white tip.
• In males , the upper beak is orangish-yellow in colour and the lower part of beak is dark.

Female plum headed parakeet

• The female has a dull grey head.
• It has yellowish neck collar.
• The female lacks shoulder patch.
• In females , the upper beak is light yellow in colour.
• The irises of both males and females are black in colour.
• Juveniles have green head and yellow bill.

Habitat:

• It is a bird of forest, open woodlands , agricultural fields , parks , etc.
• Usually not found in dry regions.

Food: They mainly feed upon fruits , grains, flower petals , etc.

Behaviour:

• These birds live in flocks and are highly social and gregarious.
• They roost communally. 
• They make a variety of calls.
• The common call made by them is tuink sound.
• They have swift flight and make twists and turns while flying.
• Courtship behaviour includes rubbing of bill and feeding.
• They are aggressive in breeding season.
• The female has greater role in feeding and raising the young ones.

Nest: It nests in holes in tree trunks.

Threats:

• Illegal capture of plum-headed parakeet for pet trade is a major threat.
• Habitat destruction is another threat to them

Our role in conservation: 

• Imposing laws against illegal bird trade.

IUCN Status: Least concern. 

Photographs by: Yamini Dashora.