Parakeets

These birds are common and tend to congregate on fruit or berry trees and in orchards. They are difficult to spot due to their leaf-green colored feathers, blending perfectly into the background. They are very active and noisy, often seen in pairs or in flocks consisting of four to six birds. They are commonly termed as “parrots” in India and are caged as pets, for their mimicking ability. There are several sub-species among the parakeets. Amongst them, the Rose-Ringed Parakeet and the Large Indian Parakeet, are most frequently seen.

The Large Indian or Alexandrine Parakeet is the larger of the two, with a long tail and hooked red bill. The male has a black stripe across its lower neck beginning from its throat and ending in a pink-colored band on its upper neck. It has a characteristic dark pink-colored patch on its wings, by which it can be differentiated from the more common Rose-Ringed Parakeet. Females of both sub-species lack the black stripe and pink neck band (both female and male Rose-Ringed Parakeets are seen in the first photograph; female in the second; male in the third).

Distinguishing features

The Alexandrine Parakeet is of the size of a pigeon (but much slimmer), with a distinct dark pink patch on its wings (see picture 4 - a male).

The Rose-Ringed Parakeet is slightly smaller, of the size of a myna.