Animal-World > Birds > Parakeet: Types of Parakeets > Plum-headed Parakeet

Plum-headed Parakeet

Family: Psittacidae"Bobby"Psittacula cyanocephalaPhoto Courtesy DDani

   Bobby is a male Plum-headed parakeet. The Plum-headed female has a gray head and the male's head is grayish purple or plum colored... thus the name Plum-headed!

   The Plum-headed Parakeet is a very beautiful bird. They are a very tolerant towards other parakeets, and even known to be peaceful with small birds such as finches.

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

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

Scientific name: Psittacula cyanocephala

Description:    The Plum-headed 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 Plum-headed Parakeet male has a plum colored head with a narrow, black collar around it's neck followed by a bluish-green band. They have dark green wings and a reddish brown stripe on the lesser coverlets, and the rest of the body is light green. The central tail feathers are bluish-green and the outer tail feathers are green with light yellow tips. The female's head is lighter than the male, and they have no red shoulder marking. The young reach their adult plumage after 2 years and the second full molt. These birds grow to a length of 13" (33 cm).

Distribution:    The Plum-headed Parakeet is found in Sri Lanka, Ceylon, most of India, west Pakistan, Nepal and the Rameswaram Island.

Care and Feeding:    Fresh food and water must be provided daily.
   In the wild, Plum-headed 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. An occasional millet spray is a nice treat.
See About Parakeets: Care and Feeding for more detailed information.

Housing:    A a roomy cage is required, and these birds are sensitive to freezing temperatures.
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 flocks and are very social. They have a pleasant nature and tolerate other birds housed with them except when breeding, then like many parakeets, they can be more aggressive.

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:
   According to author Annette Wolter, in her book "Long-Tailed Parakeets", Plum-headed Parakeets do not bond with a mate for life, unlike many parakeets. She states, "...they do not form lasting bonds with a mate. After brooding, the pairs separate once more." However, she does state that they are easily bred. They are not always successful at raising their young, so you may have to hand-rear the babies. Each pair will need two nesting boxes to choose from. Once the nest box is selected the female will lay four to six eggs.
See About Parakeets: Breeding and Reproduction for more information.

Potential Problems:    These parakeets call varies from melodic notes to a shrill call when in flight. They can have a loud scream.
See About Parakeets: Potential Problems for more information.

Availability:    Plum-headed Parakeets are available from time to time at pet stores or from breeders.

Author: Clarice Brough, CAS

Lastest Comments on Plum-headed Parakeet View all 21 comments on Plum-headed Parakeet Add Your Comment

Chelsea - 2010-03-17 At what age does a male plumhead get its full coloring in? I have found a lady how was a 10 month old male that i want to get but he has hardly no coloring. His head is a little grayish and the rest of him is green. Is this normal. How long do i have to wait for him to be beautiful!? Click For Replies (6) David - 2010-08-30 I have a mated pair of these birds, purchased when they were each about 1 year old. At about a year and a half, the male started molting into the purple head, and as of now at almost 2 years it is not complete. I would expect that by 1 1/2 years old you should start to see the black stripe and a little of the brighter color on the head. The red wing patches will also start to show up on a male at this time. It is very obvious to me as I have a certified female sitting right next to him, but the changes are very subtle at first. If the bird is older than this and no red on the wings, no black stripe and no start of a bright purple head, its probably a female. You can always get it sexed at a vet as well. Anonymous - 2010-09-13 52 jjmj - 2011-05-23 when they are 2 to 4 months Charlie Roche - 2011-05-23 It takes them at least a year to get their full coloring in. They have to go through their first major molt for all their new (and more colorful feathers) to come through. So let's say your little guy was born in March (breeding season). He would molt to some extent in August or so and then the following August would be his first major molt. So that would be almost 1 1/2 years. They shed their winter feathers(down) in the spring but the molt (where all new feathers come in occurs at the end of summer. TIM - 2012-01-25 It will take maybe a year or two.My plum head is 30 years old. If you would like to talk,7274085824. I'm Tim. They will eat almost every thing you will. Stay away from apple seeds,poison. Bell pepper seeds are great and they love them. elizabeth - 2012-01-28 I have a plumhead that is a year old that I thought was female but now I am not so sure because it is starting getting redish marks on its head so I am taking this as its a male instead of a female Reply

Phyllis - 2008-08-19 We have an almost five month old plumhead that we got from a breeder at a bird show. It seems as if "he" wasn't handled even though the breeder disputes this. It has taken me weeks to get near him. His shyness concerns me. He actually turns away. But slowly, I'm getting him to step up. Does this behavior sound normal? Click For Replies (1) TIM - 2012-01-25 It takes time for plum heads to get used to you. Don't try to handle them,they will bite and have a very strong and nasty one at that. Mine is 30 years old and I've had him most of that time. They love their fruit and veggies,even meat,chicken bones,never apple seeds,forgive the spelling,full of strictnine,poison. My bird,Jade,loves bell pepper seeds the most. If they do bite,and they will.let them,do not react,when they see it doesn't do any good they stop. Enjoy them. Reply

ABBY - 2008-07-21 I have a plumhead parakeet. Somebody gave this talented bird to me and they named the bird, Birdie, and I never plan to change it. I've had him for about 1 year and have learned that it can say quite a few words and phrases. Birdie can whistle a few tunes, make kissing noises, and can say: Birdie, pretty bird, ahhh, I love you, and many other words. He doesn't enjoy being petted so he may bite. Other than that I enjoy having him. Click For Replies (1) TIM - 2012-01-25 I have a male plum head named Jade. He is 30 years old. Plum heads don't like to be handled at all and can have apowerful nasty bite. Jade eats anything I do. He love his fruit and veggies and meat,chicken bones,seafood but not celery.If out of his cage these guys will come to you and let them. If they bite let them .Do nothing,although painful,and when they see it doesn't do any good they will stop. Never give them apple seeds,they are full of strictnine,but bell pepper seeds are what they really love. Enjoy your friend Reply

sumeet - 2011-03-08 Hi I have Plum-headed Parakeet for sale please contact me at sumeet_kpoor8@yahoo.com. Click For Replies (2) RAM NAIR - 2011-05-09 PLEASE LET ME KNOW MORE ABOUT THE PLUM HEADED ,AND PRISE? priya - 2011-05-11 Hello. I am interested to purchase the plum headed parakeet. Can you please give me the details of the rate and place and also age of the birds. Reply

coree - 2011-11-05 How big is a plum-headed parakeet? I got two male budgerigars parakeet their name is Polly he is green and yellow and Blue he is blue and white. Click For Replies (1) Charlie Roche - 2011-11-07 Scrool up in the article and you will see a description. They run about 13 inches but sleder body and long tail. Reply

santosh - 2011-02-03 Hi I have male plum headed parakeet, his name is tito it's a most wonderful bird, I have never caged him he always remains outside the cage he likes to eat food along with me. Click For Replies (3) connie - 2011-02-15 Are you selling your plum headed parakeet? How old is he ...? Is he friendly ... does he step up willingly? How much? Where are you located? I live in toronto canada ....my name is connie please let me know. jul\'s - 2011-07-14 How old is your plum, and were are you located,how much are you asking for? Kate and Dave - 2011-09-04 Where can I get a Plum-headed Parakeet? I live in Phoenix, AZ Reply

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