Psittacula calthrapae
The Layard's Parakeet (Psittacula calthrapae), a captivating endemic species of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant green parrot measuring approximately 29 cm (11.4 inches) in length, including its long, slender tail. Its most striking feature is a distinct bluish-gray head and nape, contrasting sharply with its brilliant emerald-green body plumage. Darker, almost blackish, primary flight feathers and a prominent red patch on the upper mandible further aid identification. This species exhibits moderate s...
Layard's Parakeet thrives in moist evergreen forests, woodlands, and well-wooded gardens, often in hilly areas or near water bodies. It typically inhabits elevations ranging from 400 to 2000 meters, though it can occasionally be found at lower altitudes.
Their diet primarily consists of wild fruits, seeds, blossoms, and nectar, often foraged directly from tree canopies using their strong beaks. They are particularly fond of the fruits of figs and other forest trees.
Layard's Parakeets are highly social and diurnal, typically observed in pairs or small flocks outside the breeding season, often congregating in larger, noisy groups at communal roost sites during dusk. Their foraging strategy involves acrobatically clambering through the canopy, using their stro...
The Layard's Parakeet is an endemic resident species of Sri Lanka, found throughout the island's moist lowlands and hill country. Its distribution encompasses most of the wet and intermediate zones, extending into the drier parts of the island where suitable forest patches remain. The species is ...
Near Threatened
- The Layard's Parakeet is one of only two parakeet species endemic to Sri Lanka, making it a unique national treasure. - Unlike many *Psittacula* species, its head coloration is a subdued bluish-gray rather than a vibrant color, giving it a distinctive elegant appearance. - Males can be easily i...