Psittacula longicauda
The Long-tailed Parakeet, *Psittacula longicauda*, is a strikingly beautiful psittacid native to Southeast Asia, renowned for its exceptionally long tail, which can account for half its total length of 40-45 cm (16-18 in). Weighing typically between 100-140 g, males are particularly vibrant, sporting bright green plumage, a distinctive red face and cheeks outlined by a black chin stripe, and a contrasting blue crown and nape. Their most remarkable feature is the pair of elongated blue central...
This lowland species thrives in a variety of tropical and subtropical environments, including dense primary and secondary forests, coastal mangroves, plantations, and even cultivated areas, typically below 700-800 meters elevation.
Primarily frugivorous and granivorous, their diet consists mainly of various wild and cultivated fruits, seeds, flowers, nectar, and leaf buds, making them occasional crop pests.
Long-tailed Parakeets are highly social and diurnal, often observed in pairs or small flocks, occasionally gathering in larger communal roosts of hundreds at dusk. Their foraging strategy is arboreal, meticulously inspecting trees for fruits, seeds, and blossoms. During the breeding season, pairs...
The Long-tailed Parakeet is a resident species found throughout much of Southeast Asia. Its core breeding range encompasses the Malay Peninsula (including Singapore), the large islands of Sumatra and Borneo (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei), and the Nicobar Islands. Subspecies include *P. l. longicau...
Near Threatened
- The male Long-tailed Parakeet's central tail feathers can measure up to 25 cm (10 inches) long, making up a significant portion of its overall body length. - Despite their vibrant appearance, these parakeets are incredibly adept at blending into the dense green foliage of their tropical habitat...