Plum Headed Parakeet Information

Plum-headed parakeets, also called ringneck parakeets or plum-headed parrots (Psittacula cyanocephala), are colorful birds native to India, Nepal, Bhutan and other surrounding regions. They make popular house pets because of their attractive plumage and high intelligence, according to the Avian Web, but require regular obedience training to prevent unwanted or aggressive behaviors.

  1. Identification

    • Plum-headed parakeets are usually about 13 or 14 inches long at maturity. Both males and females have green bodies. You can identify males by the narrow black ring around their necks, as well as their plum-colored heads and red shoulder patches. They also have black stripes under their chins and long, vivid blue tails with white tips. Their upper beaks are yellowish-orange, while their lower beaks are darker in color. The females have yellowish-green bodies, yellow beaks, grayish-blue heads and green wings.

    History, Habitat and Diet

    • According to John Hunter Farrell from the Parrot Society of Australia, plum-headed parakeets have been kept as pets for thousands of years. In the wild, they live in open woodlands as well as in dense forests, while captive birds thrive in communal aviaries and large enclosures. These birds readily feed off the ground in their natural environment. Wild birds enjoy a diet of leaf buds, blossoms, fruits, nuts and seeds. You can feed a pet parakeet commercial pellets, vegetables, and a variety of nuts, as well as seeds and fruit. Avoid feeding your bird peanuts, however, since these legumes may carry a fungus called aspergillosis that is deadly to parrots.

    Care and Maintenance

    • Plum-headed parakeets are sensitive to cold weather and need a warm, sheltered environment. They need fresh food and water each day, and their cages should be thoroughly cleaned each week, including their toys, food and water dishes, and perches. They are curious and energetic, and benefit from a variety of toys to keep them entertained. They also have a tendency to chew excessively and should be monitored carefully if allowed to fly free around the home, since they can start house fires or harm themselves by chewing on electrical cords.

    Behavior Issues

    • Plum-headed parakeets must be socialized from an early age. Improperly-socialized birds often bond with one person in the household and might become aggressive around other family members or visitors. They also screech if they are frightened or startled. Since these are talking birds, Avian Web suggests teaching them to talk to cut down on unwanted screaming. Breeding this species can be difficult, since they are not especially successful parents and often desert their young.