Alexandrine Parakeet General Info
The Alexandrine Parakeet has a long history as a pet bird, reaching as far back as antiquity. They were brought back to Europe by Alexander the Great after his conquests in India, hence the name they bear. These lively parrots were recorded in ancient mosaics and were kept as pets by the nobility.
Today they remain a popular and loved pet bird, regaling their owners with cute mimicking and gentle personalities.
Even Alexander the Great couldn’t resist the cute and fun nature of these lovely parrots.
Native Region/Natural Habitat
Their natural home spans a wide belt in the south of Asia, including parts of India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Ceylon. Today, many feral populations exist all around the world, which only shows the hardy and resilient nature of these parrots. In their habitat, they prefer the forests and jungles, nesting in flocks in the tree hollows. They are a common and widespread sight in India, where they are often sold in the local markets, even though their sale is forbidden.
Overall Description
Even if though they’re classified as a medium sized bird, thanks to their long tail feathers, they easily give an impression of a larger size. The adults reach a length ranging from 22 to 24 inches, with just the tail measuring up to 14 inches. On average, they weigh about 10 ounces.
With a usual lifespan of 40 years, Alexandrine Parakeet is sure to be a cherished pet and companion for a long, long time.
Speech and Sounds
Alexandrine Parakeets are generally considered as docile and quiet parrots, and they only get loud when disturbed or neglected. In such cases, loud caws and high pitched whistles are in store for you! On the other hand, they tend to mimic common and often repeated names and produce soft and lovely whistle sounds. They have a cute and cartoonish tone of the voice, and they are fun to listen to.
Colors
The dominant color of these parrots is a bright, tropical green that gets lighter at the belly. Their cheeks and the back of the neck have a bluish overtone. A distinguishing and unique trait is their pink collar which the males proudly wear. A bright red and large beak stands out and completes this gorgeous color combination, making the Alexandrine Parakeet a lovely, tropical bird whose vibrant appearance inspires awe.
With its bright and exotic colors, the Alexandrine Parakeet is a refreshing sight and a beautiful bird.
Care and Feeding
Seeds, fruits, flower buds, and leaves, are all a part of a parakeets diet. While the commercial seed mixes will cover a part of this, you can still offer them many food items to fulfill their nutritional needs. Allow them to utilize their strong beaks by giving them cracked walnuts, almonds, and similar nuts. Besides vegetables and fruits that you eat, they also enjoy some chicken on occasion.
Make sure that clear water is changed regularly, and offer your pet a bath – they will love it.
Health and Common Conditions
If their diet is balanced and nutritional, and the optimal conditions are met, the Alexandrine Parakeet will prove to be a strong and stout parrot. Avoid damp and drafty places, and don’t neglect their hygiene. This will prevent any major troubles.
But still, if you spot any significant warning signs such as apathy and loss of appetite, or drooping, ruffled wings, consult your avian vet as soon as possible.
Take care of your parakeet and devote enough time to its needs and they’ll prove their hardy and healthy nature.
Personality & Behavior
Their personalities are well known as gentle and docile, but still energetic enough, like most other parrots are. When playing on their own they can be quiet, but when playing with you, they love to cuddle, explore and talk. Their beaks are strong, and they like to chew stuff. If you wish to remain nip-free, consider buying them some toys which they will love to chew and play with.
Alexandrine Parakeets cherish their owners and forge a strong bond with them; so much so that they can even imprint on a human if they’re not living with a feathery companion of their own. This can become a nuisance for the owner and cause profound stress to the bird, which is why you should consider getting a pair of parakeets to keep each other company.
In summary, the Alexandrine Parakeet is a fun, playful, loving parrot that will make a fantastic companion to a responsible and a devoted owner.
Photo credit: Butterfly Hunter/Shutterstock; Narupon Nimpaiboon/Shutterstock; Wang LiQiang/Shutterstock
