Psittacula himalayana
The Slaty-headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana) is a strikingly beautiful medium-sized parrot, measuring approximately 37-43 cm in length, including its notably long tail, and weighing around 115-130 grams. Its most distinctive feature is its soft slaty-gray head, which contrasts sharply with its vibrant green body plumage. Males possess a prominent reddish-orange upper mandible and a distinct maroon patch on the shoulder, while females have a more dusky-red bill and a less pronounced shoul...
Predominantly found in subtropical and tropical broadleaf forests, often near cultivation, at elevations typically ranging from 600 to 2500 meters, but occasionally higher or lower depending on the season.
Primarily frugivorous and granivorous, feeding on a wide variety of wild and cultivated fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and blossoms, often gleaned directly from trees.
Slaty-headed Parakeets are highly social and diurnal, typically observed in small to medium-sized flocks outside the breeding season, congregating in larger groups at communal roosts in tall trees. They are adept arboreal foragers, using their strong bills and feet to manipulate fruits and seeds....
The Slaty-headed Parakeet's extensive range spans the Himalayan foothills and Southeast Asia. Its breeding range stretches from northern Pakistan, across the Himalayan regions of India (including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, and Bhutan, eastward into Banglades...
Least Concern
- Slaty-headed Parakeets can live for over 20 years in captivity, showcasing their robust nature. - They are known to undertake altitudinal migrations, moving to lower, warmer valleys during harsh Himalayan winters. - Unlike many parakeets, their slaty-gray head provides excellent camouflage agai...