Red-breasted Parakeet

Overview

The red-breasted parakeet (Psittacula alexandri) is a parrot native to Southeast Asia and among the more widespread species in its genus. It is the species with the most geographical variations, including multiple subspecies confined to small island clusters in Indonesia and one extending to the Himalayan foothills. The species is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Easily identified by a large red patch on the breast.
• Known alternatively as the moustached parakeet depending on the subspecies.

Habitat

Native to Southeast Asia, the species ranges from north India to south China and Indochina. Its distribution includes the Andaman Islands and continental Southeast Asia extending to northeastern South Asia along the Himalayan foothills. Most subspecies are restricted to minuscule islands or clusters in Indonesia, such as Java, Bali, and the Nias, Simeulue, and Kangean Islands.

Did you know?

Feral populations have established themselves in cities such as Mumbai and Singapore, with small numbers also present in Chennai and Bangalore. The specific epithet alexandri is derived from Alexander the Great, whose soldiers reportedly introduced parakeets to Greece.