Alexandrine Parakeet

Is an Alexandrine parakeet right for you?

The Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria), named after Alexander the Great, is one of the largest Psittacula species. According to World Parrot Trust sources, it measures about 58 cm and weighs 250-260 g. It is a powerful, striking, talkative bird, but like the ring-necked parakeet it goes through a marked adolescent phase, and its large beak calls for a careful approach.

Before you adopt

The Alexandrine parakeet is native to South Asia and has five subspecies; one is native to the Andaman Islands, another to Sri Lanka and the Indian peninsula. According to World Parrot Trust, sources generally give it a lifespan of 25-30 years.

A wild population in Turkey: Alongside the ring-necked parakeet, the Alexandrine parakeet also lives wild in Istanbul. World Parrot Trust notes the species has been introduced to several regions including Turkey; according to the Anadolu Agency, it is seen in flocks together with ring-necked parakeets in Istanbul green spaces such as Gülhane Park, Emirgan Woods, the Çamlıca hills, Florya Atatürk Forest Farm, and the Belgrade Forest. Take this as a reminder to never release your own bird outdoors — escaped or released birds add to these established populations.

Avian vet: The number of vets who treat birds is limited in many places. Before getting a bird, check whether there is a clinic near you that sees avian patients.

Legal status: The Alexandrine parakeet is listed on CITES Appendix II (IUCN Red List status: Least Concern, though it is heavily trapped for the wild bird trade). Unlike the ring-necked parakeet, this means official CITES paperwork from the relevant wildlife authority is required in most countries to import, export, and in some cases keep this species; keeping one without documentation can lead to confiscation. Check current requirements with your national CITES authority.

Do not buy a smuggled bird: An Alexandrine parakeet without a closed leg band or with an unexplained origin may have been illegally taken from the wild. The species is declining in parts of Southeast Asia due to the wild bird trade.

Character and social needs

The Alexandrine parakeet is intelligent, striking, and strong-willed. Its call is described as harsh, ringing, and deep; it shrieks when alarmed and flocks can chorus loudly together.

• Adolescence: As with the ring-necked parakeet, a behaviour change and a tendency to bite can appear during adolescence (roughly 1-2 years old); this is a temporary phase.
• Talking: Known for clear pronunciation; many individuals can learn a wide vocabulary.
• Independence: It does not always enjoy sitting in your lap; some individuals prefer being near you rather than being touched.
• Beak power: It has a large, powerful beak that easily destroys wood, so careful hand-training is needed.

Cage and living space

• Size: World Parrot Trust recommends a walk-in aviary at least 4.5 m long for this species; at home, choose the largest cage available and increase daily free-flight time.
• Sturdiness: Metal or welded-wire construction is needed; wooden parts are easily destroyed by the powerful beak.
• Perches and toys: Swings, chewable branches and pine cones, ladders, leather toys, climbing ropes.
• Position: Against a wall, at eye level, away from draughts and direct sun. The kitchen is not suitable.
• Free flight: Daily, with windows and doors closed and other pets out of the room.

Feeding

• Staple: A pellet formulated for birds should be the base diet.
• Fruit: According to World Parrot Trust, fruits such as apple, pear, orange, banana, and pomegranate can make up about 30% of the diet.
• Vegetables: Carrot, celery, fresh peas, beans, fresh corn, green leaves.
• Seed: Spray millet and a limited amount of mixed seed, as a treat.
• Water: Fresh and clean every day.

Toxic items: avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, salt, onion, garlic, fruit stones.

Household hazards: overheated non-stick coatings (PTFE fumes), aerosol sprays, scented candles, cigarette smoke.

Health and lifespan

According to World Parrot Trust, sources generally give this species a lifespan of 25-30 years; with good care some individuals live longer.

• Feather plucking (feather destructive behaviour): According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, stress, boredom, hormonal frustration, and poor diet can trigger it; medical causes should be ruled out first if you notice bare patches.
• Internal papillomatosis and Pacheco's disease: Caused by psittacine herpesvirus, these can occur in any parrot species, presenting with masses around the mouth and cloaca, diarrhoea, and lethargy.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Birds fed on seed alone can develop vitamin A deficiency, obesity, and liver problems.
• Respiratory problems: More common in draughty or poorly ventilated spaces; wheezing or open-beak breathing is an emergency.

Do not wait if you notice fluffed sitting, loss of appetite, changes in droppings, or a sudden change in behaviour.

Taming and training

1. Start with a young bird. Chicks or hand-raised birds tame far more easily than adult or wild-caught individuals.
2. Prepare for adolescence. Do not take biting or aloofness personally during this phase; keep a consistent, calm approach.
3. Respect the beak's strength. Do not rush hand-training; build trust gradually.
4. Use positive reinforcement. Reward stepping up and calm behaviour.
5. Teach words. Repeat fixed words calmly, in the same tone, in a quiet setting.

History and life in the wild

The Alexandrine parakeet ranges across a wide swath of South Asia, from Sri Lanka and India to Afghanistan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Thailand. In the wild it is found in dry and moist deciduous forest, mangroves, and coconut plantations; it lives in small flocks, forming larger groups where food is abundant and at communal roosts. According to the IUCN, it is not globally threatened, but is declining in Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indochina and is heavily traded on the wild bird market; it has also been introduced to parts of Europe, the Middle East (including Turkey), and Japan.