Psittacula derbiana
Lord Derby's Parakeet, *Psittacula derbiana*, is a striking medium-sized parrot, typically measuring 45-50 cm (18-20 inches) in length, including its long tail, and weighing around 200-300 grams. Its plumage is predominantly vibrant green, contrasting sharply with a distinctive purple-blue head and neck. A prominent black chin stripe extends to a malar (cheek) stripe, framing its large, powerful beak. This species exhibits clear sexual dimorphism in beak coloration: males possess a red upper ...
Lord Derby's Parakeet primarily inhabits high-altitude temperate and subtropical forests, particularly coniferous and broadleaf evergreen woodlands. It is found at elevations typically ranging from 1,250 to 4,000 meters, also frequenting subalpine meadows and cultivated areas near forests.
Their diet primarily consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and buds, with a particular fondness for pine nuts and acorns. They forage extensively in the tree canopy, using their powerful beaks to crack open hard shells.
Lord Derby's Parakeets are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks of up to 50 individuals, particularly outside the breeding season, though larger congregations can occur at communal roosts or favored feeding sites. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging actively in the ...
Lord Derby's Parakeet has a relatively restricted distribution across the eastern Himalayas and adjacent mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. Its primary breeding and year-round range extends from northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam) through northern Myanmar, parts of northern Thailand...
Least Concern
- Lord Derby's Parakeet was named in honor of Edward Smith-Stanley, the 13th Earl of Derby, a renowned British statesman, naturalist, and patron of natural history. - Unlike many parakeet species, it is a high-altitude specialist, comfortable living in elevations up to 4,000 meters in the Himalay...