Animal-World > Birds > Parakeet: Types of Parakeets > Alexandrine Parakeet

Alexandrine Parakeets

Family: PsittacidaeLarry is a male Alexandrine ParrotPsittacula eupatriaPhoto Courtesy Kristy

   The Alexandrine Parakeet, like most of the ringnecks, is a very striking bird.

To learn more about Parakeets and their needs visit:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Parakeet

Geographic Distribution Psittacula eupatria Data provided by GBIF.org Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

Scientific name: Psittacula eupatria

Distribution:    The Alexandrine Parakeet is found in Ceylon, eastern Afghanistan, western Pakistan, through India to Indochina, and the Andaman Islands. They live in lowlands and wooded areas such as forests, jungle, and coastal mangroves.

Description:    The Alexandrine Parakeet belongs in the Psittacula genus, that are known as Ringneck Parakeets. This genus has the distinguishing characteristic of a colored collar going around the head in the males, or a pronounced stripe running through the chin area.
   The Alexandrine Parakeets have a large head and bill, a sleek body and a long tapered tail. The male has a general green plumage with some grayish-blue on the cheeks and a dark purple-red patch on the wing. There is a faint black stripe from the cere to the eye, a black stripe across the lower cheek, and a wide rose-pink collar. The inner tail feathers are bluish-green with light yellow-white tips and a yellow underside. The beak is a deep red with a paler tip. Their average lifespan is 40 years.
   The female is lighter than the male. Females don't have the rose-pink collar or the black stripe across the cheek patches, and they have shorter central tail feathers. These birds grow to a length of 23" (58 cm).

Joey is a female Alexandrine Parrot Photo courtesy: Kristy

Care and Feeding:    Fresh food and water must be provided daily.
   In the wild, Alexandrine Parakeets eat a variety of seeds, fruits, nuts, blossoms, leaf buds. In addition to these foods, you can offer them vegetables and commercial pellets. They like nuts with the shells cracked, such as walnuts, pecans and almonds. They also enjoy the same nutritional foods humans eat, including cooked chicken. Cooked beans, rice, and grains are also enjoyed, but soft foods like these will spoil in about 4 hours.
See About Parakeets: Care and Feeding for more detailed information.

Housing:    A a roomy cage is required as these are large parakeets.
See About Parakeets: Housing for more extensive housing information.

Maintenance:    The basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Weekly you should wash all the perches and dirty toys, and the floor should be washed about every other week. A total hosing down and disinfecting of an aviary should be done yearly, replacing anything that needs to be freshened, such as old dishes, toys and perches.

Social Behaviors:    In the wild, these birds live in small flocks during the day, and roost in very large flocks at night.

Handling/Training: See About Parakeets: Handling and Training for detailed information.
  

Activities:    Parakeets are very energetic birds! Besides flying, which is important for all parakeets, these birds love to chew! Be sure you provide them with lots of assorted toys and wood chews, perches and swings.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Unlike many parakeets, the Alexandrine Parakeets do not bond with a mate for life. Each pair will need two nesting boxes to choose from with wood shavings as a bedding. Once the nest box is selected the female will lay two to four eggs. Both parents will sit on the eggs. The young leave the nest about six weeks after hatching. The males don't reach their adult plumage until the second year.
See About Parakeets: Breeding and Reproduction for more information.

Potential Problems:    These parakeets have a loud call.
See About Parakeets: Potential Problems for more information.

Availability:    Alexandrine Parakeets are available from time to time, usually from breeders.

Author: Clarice Brough, CAS

Lastest Comments on Alexandrine Parakeet View all 62 comments on Alexandrine Parakeet Add Your Comment

Helen - 2009-10-22 We live in Brisbane and we bought our Alexandrine (Honey Girl) when she was 3 months old from a pet shop. I am the main carer. I am home all day with her, I feed her and clean her cage. She is out of the cage when we are home. I am so dissappointed as she seems to hate me. She attacks me everytime I put food in her cage. If she is on top of her cage and I go near her she skittles back into her cage. Yet she loves my husband. He is away all day and when he comes home she gets all excited. She runs to him when he goes near the cage. Jumps on his shoulder and nibbles affectionately at his ears and hair, chatters to him... grrrrr. I bought her for me! Click For Replies (7) Jayde Kilby - 2010-05-02 We also bought our Alexandrine at about 3 months old and he seems to have moods with both me and my partner where he will favour one of us more. Generally though I am home with him all day but he seems to prefer being with Kyle and often nibbles at his ears and chatters in his ear. Like you I clean and look after him, give him food all day. Once he even tried to attack me for cuddling up to my partner on the couch whilst he was sitting on his shoulder! Jealous! A lady we spoke to told us that they tend to choose one person whom they consider their 'partner for life'. So unfortunately this might be the case. Not much we can do about it! sriprasanna - 2010-05-05 Don't worry just give he sun flower seeds by your hand every she will become normal. Coral - 2010-09-21 Don't worry I have one the same I bought it for me but she bonded with my husband if he is at home she doesn't want me at all if he is not home she will come to me and sit on my shoulder. I feed her clean her cage the same as you but they just bond to one person and that is that. Mine has bitten me a couple of times which really hurts but I have learned they just love one person. Nadine - 2011-01-05 Ok the same thing happened to me and my husband. Now first things first don't let your parrot on your shoulder he will dominate you and will think he is high in the pecking order, he probably loves your husband because he is taller or seem like the pecking order leader. I advise that your husband start ignoring the bird and you only pet it or play with it. Even when the bird gets excited and flys on him he must ignore the bird. As for getting him out of the cage I just let the bird come out when he want its this is the only way that worked for me because my bird is very territorial of his cage. After we purchased a standing perch everything seemed to get a lot better, a standing perch is awesome because it's a place for the bird to hang out out of the cage. But your husband must ignore the bird it worked for me now my 6 month old alexandrine loves me. Birds are such hard work and I feel your pain hope it all works out. Marsha - 2011-06-15 I am not an expert as we only own a lovebird (male) and female cockatiel. The female bird loves my husband and the male bird is my buddy by their own choice even though we both interact with the birds and I am primarily the one feeding them. I have been told it is very common for birds to bond with their owners of the opposite sex. Both birds are adopted and I intended for them to be my pets. Fortunately my husband has come to love "his" cockatiel. Andrea - 2011-07-06 A good way to start is by watching your husband and seeing what he's doing to make her happy. Then walk up with your husband to the bird cage and if the bird knows your husband won't hurt her, than she will know that he thinks this is fine and the bird will actually start a bond with you too if she understands that your not going to hurt her either. Aisha - 2012-01-03 I am experiencing the same behavior with my Alexandrine, Meetu, as well. She loves my husband and ignores me (he bought her for me as a pet too). I do all the cleaning and feeding. But she is attached to him and will just get so excited and start to shriek when ever he leaves the room and follow him all over the house. She sits with her tail up and nudges his hand with her beak to pet her back. This is what I have come to know as initializing mating. She has laid infertile eggs! When the female starts to initiate mating behavior, put her into the cage and eventually she will learn this is a no, no. But opposite sexes do attract! :) Reply

Andrea - 2011-07-06 I am a very responsible 10 year old and my family and I are woundering if Alexandrine Parakeets are a good 10 year old pet. I have been researching for days but I need to know how it is from a real owner. Click For Replies (2) Charlie Roche - 2011-07-06 Everyone has an opinion and this is just mine. The Alexandrine Parakeet does not have a strong pair bond with its mate. It has a somewhat independent nature that can be frequently not fun. They are not cuddly. They will sit on your shoulder but are not really into affection or petting. Besides, they are part of the ring neck family and most are occasionally are tempermental. I would recommend a conure to a very responsible 10 year old. Yes, sometimes conures will make a bit of noise - especially when they first see you in the morning, when the sun is starting to set at night or when they know you are in the home and can hear you but can't see you. Conures are frequently called a Velcro bird cuz they stick like glue. They are affectioneete. They love pet and play. They love playing hide and seek. They learn to say a few words - although not clear talkers they are very expressive. Buy one directly from a breeder - directly out of the home. This years babies should be available now. That way you can hold it and play with it before you decide. Besides your conure can then check you out also. They love to play. They like kisses and I've never seen one get angry or mad and I have had them for 20 years. I have had green cheeks and queens and I would recommend them. Charlie Roche - 2011-07-12 I was curious to see if you went ahead and got your bird. Did you see the other peoples comments regarding the Alexandrine? They are having probelms with it. I forgot to mention the greed check conure (purchased directly from a breeder) is about the same cost (within $25.00) as the Alexandrine. There are also several other conures which might be availabel where you live. Almost all, especially those readily avialable in the pet market, make excellent pets. Playful, joking, fun, talk a little but very espressive with their little (and sometimes big) noises. One thing, I never clip my conures (or any birds wings) but especially the conures because they love to be with you. They fly to you. Of course if you do clip the wings - just do it a little and not all the way back to the primaries. That way they can land softly but really can't fly far. Then they will walk to you so don't step on it. Have fun and let us know. Reply

ash - 2010-11-25 I bought my alex 2 weeks ago from an advert in the local paper it said friendly, talkative parrot but he is neither I can't get within 1 meter of him without him flying off and panicking how can I get my bird to start to trust me enough for him to let me touch him? PLEASE HELP!!! Click For Replies (5) Bonnie - 2010-12-02 If his wing isn't clipped - do it right away! Just be patient, he will soon learn he can't fly and will want you to pick him up (step-up on finger). Never grab him from over the top always get him to step-up on your finger by pushing your finger against his lower chest. Don't be afraid of him - he will sense your fear. Good luck - it takes a lot of patience, but will be a vary rewarding pet. karen - 2010-12-23 I've had my alexandrine female for 5 1/2 years. It took a very long time to actually be able to have her step up on my fingers. I bought her when she was only six weeks old. It took a lot of patience and work on my part before I finally had her trust. After I had her for about 3 1/2 to 4 years, I could finally pet her. Pick up a parrot book, that may help. Stick with her and when you can finally pet her, just pet her head or she will think you are her mate and it will lead to much bigger problems such as adult frustration on her part being sexually mature for a bird and also aggressiveness towards others. Everyone in the house should interact with her as a flock would. I learned the hard way, I hope this helps you. Col - 2011-02-11 Wing clip, and spend at least 2hrs per day within 5 ft of your Companion bird for several weeks. It could also be the room's decor. Alexandrines are very social and like to be where the action is. A change of guardianship is a difficult transition for any parrot of any kind. Just imagine as if you were 4-14yrs-old and suddenly thrust into the care of another person in different surroundings. There would rightly be a period of adjustment. In the immortal words of a Guardian I admire and respect; be patient, be consistent, be persistent, and give it time. Andrea - 2011-07-06 Since it's still young you still have a chance. Get it's flying feathers cut first. That way your parakeet can't get away from you. Handle him and show him you are not going to hurt him. He will get your trust soon, but keep trying. Andrea - 2011-07-06 Since it's still young you still have a chance. Get it's flying feathers cut first. That way you parakeet can't get away from you. Handle him and show him you are not going to hurt him. He will get your trust soon, but keep trying. Reply

Mehnaz - 2011-04-13 Our alexandrine parrot was lost April 7, 2011 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. However, he could have flown further by now. He flew off someones shoulder when he heard a loud noise. He is a male parrot: green body, red beak, black and pink ring around the neck, and long tail. He can say "Neynoo" & come on" & "step up" and make a kissing sound. There is a Cash Reward for his return. If seen or heard, please contact (905) 329-4664 or mezzy786@hotmail.com. Click For Replies (1) Charlie Roche - 2011-04-14 I am soo sorry. This does happen frequently. Unfortunately, rarely is one this tame returned. They fall in love with it, get attached. I hope you get him back but if not just hope he has a good home with others who love him too. Reply

jean germaine - 2010-10-25 I lost my alexandrine parrot in st augustine florida on the 11 th of june 2010. After four months I got a call from a person who saw a parrot in a vet's office and was told that she had been given to the vet by some people who found it. The person looked on the internet and saw that I was the only one looking for an alexandrine and called me. The vet insists that the bird could not fly 150 miles so he didn't contact me? My bird and his had full wings.. Can anyone out there prove this vet wrong? The breeder who had records for rosie is deceased. Can anyone help me? Click For Replies (3) Janet - 2011-01-06 Did you tell him that the breeder is deaf if not don't. Make HIM prove when and where he got it. From what you say I would take him to small claims court if I had to. Will the women vouch for what she heard happened. Not a nice vet if it is truly not his. I am sure that he will not want to go to court. Really is an easy thing to do and you can do it yourself. Just file it for like 50.00 in Arkansas he will be served bring lady and get your bird back. You can do it. I'm sure he wouldn't want his name in paper and the couple that found the bird comes forward. Or put up posters looking for these people that gave him the bird, he may have a change of heart. Good luck! Col - 2011-02-11 Cover 150 mi in four months? Easily. Wild budgerigars typically cover 40 mi/day through simply scavenging. Offhand I'd say that the vet where the parrot was relinquished is not avian certified. Karen - 2011-02-20 Too bad your bird was not microchipped, as that would prove without a shadow of a doubt it was yours. Was your alexandrine leg banded? This sometimes helps as well. If not, does it say any words or phrases? Do you have any pictures of him/her that might show any distinguishing marks? If it was very young & it has since molted, that might be a problem. I have heard cases where a bird has flown 500 miles within a span of a few months & I'm sure there are other birds who have made it a lot further. Have you visited the Vet's office & met the "Lost" Bird yet? If you are convinced he/she is yours, I would fight the Vet's office for him/her until they were convinced. Reply

karen - 2010-12-23 Hi, I would like to know if an adult female alexandrine's feather coloring at the end of her green feathers turns a grayish color around the ends of the feathers or is there a possible problem? Thank you. Click For Replies (1) Col - 2011-02-11 A bluish-grey tint (called cerulean by some) is normal on the tails. Around the edges, though, I haven't seen/noticed that in my adult female. There is so little information specific to these parrots' health indicators. Reply

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