The Alexandrine Parakeet, scientifically known as Psittacula eupatria and colloquially referred to as the Alexandrine Parrot, is a captivating medium-sized parrot belonging to the Psittaculidae family in the genus Psittacula. Native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, this species has a rich history, notable features, and faces conservation challenges.
Historical Significance:
Alexander the Great Connection: Named after Alexander the Great, who transported numerous birds from Punjab to European and Mediterranean regions. These parakeets became prized possessions for royalty, nobility, and warlords.
Taxonomy and Etymology:
Origin: First described by French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson in 1760 as Psittaca Ginginiana. Linnaean Description: Carl Linnaeus redescribed it in 1766 as Psittacus eupatria. Etymology: The genus name Psittacula is derived from the Latin word psittacus, meaning “parrot.” The specific name eupatria comes from Ancient Greek words eu- (“well”) and patriá (“descent”).
Phylogeny:
Divergence: Genetic analysis suggests that the Alexandrine Parakeet diverged from the lineage leading to the rose-ringed parakeet and the Mauritius parakeet about 5 million years ago.
Description:
Size: Among the largest parakeets, measuring 56 to 62 cm. Coloration: Predominantly green with blue-grey sheen, yellow-green abdomen, red shoulder patch, and a distinctive massive red beak with yellow tips. Sexual Dimorphism: Adult males have a black cheek stripe and a pink nape band, while females lack these features.
Subspecies:
Five recognized subspecies, each with distinctive features and distributions.
- Nominate Alexandrine Parakeet (P. e. eupatria): Western India, South India, and Sri Lanka.
- Large Indian Parakeet (P. e. nipalensis): Eastern Afghanistan to Bhutan, larger than the nominate subspecies.
- Large Burmese Parakeet (P. e. avensis): Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, with a smaller beak.
- Large Andaman Parakeet (P. e. magnirostris): Andaman Islands, slightly larger than the nominate subspecies.
- Thai Rose-ringed Parakeet (P. e. siamensis): Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, smaller than the nominate subspecies.
Ecology and Behavior:
Habitat: Found in forests, woodlands, agricultural lands, and mangrove forests up to 900 m elevation. Diet: Consumes wild and cultivated seeds, buds, fruits, and nuts. Can cause damage to crops in large flocks. Vocalization: Varied calls, including a ringing trrrieuw, loud kree-aar, and resonant gr-aak. Capable of imitating human speech.
Breeding:
Season: Breeds from November to April in their native range. Nesting: Typically uses tree hollows, occasionally excavates tree holes. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs. Incubation: Average incubation period is 24 days. Chicks fledge at about 7 weeks.
Aviculture:
Popularity: Popular as pets due to their long lifespan (25–30 years), playful behavior, and ability to mimic speech. Color Variants: Variants such as lutino, albino, and blue are established in captivity. Enclosure Recommendation: The World Parrot Trust recommends a metal or welded mesh enclosure of minimum length 4.5 meters.
Conservation:
Status: Listed as near threatened by the IUCN due to habitat loss, persecution, and illegal wildlife trade. Decline Areas: Suffering significant declines in Pakistan, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Trade: Despite conservation concerns, trade data indicates the international trade of Alexandrine Parakeets.
Cultural Significance:
Postage Stamps: Featured on postage stamps issued by Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, and Iran.
The Alexandrine Parakeet stands as a fascinating species, bridging historical significance, vibrant ecology, and the challenges of conservation. As efforts continue to address its declining populations, these parakeets remain both a natural wonder and a cherished companion in the world of aviculture.
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