Alexandrine Parakeet

Identification

The Alexandrine Parakeet is one of the largest parakeets, measuring 56 to 62 cm from head to tail tip and weighing 200 to 300 grams. Its predominantly green plumage is immediately distinctive: look for a light blue-grey sheen on the cheeks and nape, a yellow-green abdomen, and most striking of all, a prominent red patch on the shoulders paired with a massive red beak tipped with yellow. The tail transitions from green at the base through blue to yellow at the tip, with a yellow underside.

Sexual dimorphism is pronounced in adults. Males display a bold black stripe across their lower cheeks and a pink band on the nape, features completely absent in females. Juveniles resemble females but have noticeably shorter tails, making age determination straightforward for field observers.

Range & Habitat

Native to South Asia and Southeast Asia, the Alexandrine Parakeet inhabits forests, woodlands, agricultural lands and mangrove forests at elevations up to 900 metres. The species has established feral populations across a surprising geographic range, from Turkey and the Middle East (Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Iran) through to western Europe (Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium), where it coexists with populations of its close relative, the rose-ringed parakeet.

Sadly, the species is experiencing steep population declines across much of its native range. It is sporadic in South India, uncommon in Bangladesh, and declining in North Bengal and parts of Sri Lanka. The greatest declines have occurred in Pakistan's Sindh and Punjab provinces, and across Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.

Behaviour & Diet

Alexandrine Parakeets are highly vocal birds with a repertoire far deeper and harsher than their rose-ringed cousins. Listen for a ringing trrrieuw call, loud kree-aar or keeak notes, deep klak-klak-klak sequences, and resonant gr-aak sounds. When alarmed, their voices become even harsher, and they shriek loudly while mobbing predators. Flocks occasionally vocalize together in exciting cacophonies.

These birds eat a variety of wild and cultivated seeds, buds, fruits and nuts. They typically live in small flocks but gather in larger groups where food is abundant or at communal roosts. Agricultural areas are particularly attractive to them—flocks can cause extensive damage to ripening fruits and grain crops like maize and jowar. Breeding occurs from November to April in their native range, with females laying 2 to 4 white eggs in tree hollows or building crevices. Chicks fledge at about seven weeks and remain dependent on parents for a further 3 to 4 months.

Best Time & Places to See It

The breeding season from November to April offers prime viewing opportunities in native South and Southeast Asian ranges, when pairs are actively nesting and feeding. Look in forest edges, woodlands and agricultural areas, particularly where fruiting trees attract feeding flocks. Early morning and late afternoon typically offer the best activity levels and lighting for observation.

Travellers should be aware that wild populations are declining across most of the native range due to habitat loss and trapping for the illegal pet trade. The species is now uncommon or sporadic across much of South Asia, though it remains more reliable in certain protected forest areas. In introduced ranges across the Middle East and Europe, established feral populations offer alternative viewing opportunities in unexpected locations.

Photography Tips

The Alexandrine's bold colouration makes it visually striking in photographs. The red beak, shoulder patch and nape band of males provide excellent colour contrast against the predominantly green plumage. Frame your shots to capture the distinctive head profile and the colour gradient of the tail, which shifts from green through blue to yellow—a unique field mark among parakeets. The blue-grey cheek patch is particularly diagnostic and photographs well in good light.

Flock behaviour offers dynamic shooting opportunities; capture birds in flight, perched together on fruiting trees, or vocalizing with bills open. Early morning light emphasises the subtle plumage tones, while afternoon photography can highlight the red and yellow markings. Remember that males and females differ significantly in head markings—try to document both sexes to capture the full range of field identification features.