Blue-winged Parakeet

Overview

The blue-winged parakeet, also known as the Malabar parakeet, is a species of parakeet endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Bluish-grey body with long blue tails tipped in yellow and dark wings featuring blue contrasts.
• Complete black neck ring on both sexes.
• Males have a bluish-green lower edge to the black collar and a red upper mandible with a white tip; females have an all-black bill.
• Produces a series of screeching 'keek-keek-keek' calls when moving through forests.

Habitat

Restricted to the Western Ghats south of approximately 19°N latitude, extending to Kerala and into the hills of the Palnis, Nilgiris, and possibly the Eastern Ghats. The species nests in holes in trees, often utilising old woodpecker or barbet nests in tall species such as Mesua ferrea.

Diet

Individuals have been observed feeding on the leaves of Loranthus longiflorus.

Did you know?

The species was known in the pet trade as the 'Bababudan Parrot' and acquired a misleading reputation as a superior talker.