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Alexandrine Parakeet  (Psittacula eupatria)

Also Known As: Alexandrine Ring-necked Parakeet, Greater Rose-ringed Parakeet, Great-billed Parakeet, Large Parakeet, Large Indian Parakeet (P.e. nipalensis), Large Ceylonese Parakeet (P.e. eupatria), Large Burmese Parakeet (P.e. avensis), Large Andaman Parakeet (P.e. magnirostris), Thai Rose-ringed Parakeet (P.e. siamensis)
 
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Wild Alexandrian Parakeet perched on branch

Credit: (c) Ron Hoff
 
photos Photos videoVideo 1
 
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Did You Know?
One of the largest parakeets, the Alexandrine was named for Alexander the Great, who was rumoured to have one as a pet.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
Not recorded

Range:
P.e. eupatria: Sri Lanka and Indian peninsula.
P.e. nipalensis: E Afganistan, E and S Pakistan, C India to Nepal, Bhutan and Assam to Bangladesh.
P.e. magnirostris: Andaman Islands and nearby Coco Islands, Bay of Bengal.
P.e. avensis: Cachar district of Assam to S Burma.
P.e. siamensis: N and W Thailand to Cambodia, C Laos, rarely in north; and SC Vietnam.

Habitat:
Found in variety of moist and dry forests and woodlands. Also found in cultivated areas and mangroves. Found up to 900m (2952ft).

Threat Summary:
Declining in Sri Lanka, is heavily traded in wild bird market.

IUCN Rating:
Least Concern

Wild Diet:
Eats variety of wild and cultivated seeds, flowers and flower buds, nectar, grain, fruit and vegetables.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
Occurs in small flocks but forms bigger groups where food is abundant and at communal roosts where birds from a large area may gather in one large tree.

Clutch and Egg Size:
2 to 4, broad/oval, 34 x 27mm (1.3 x 1.05 in)

Breeding Season:
November/ December to March/April depending on location.

More Info Sites:
http://newswww.bbc.net.uk/1/hi/education/3869815.stm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandrine_Parakeet

http://home.wanadoo.nl/psittaculaworld/Species/P-eupatria.htm