Grey-headed Parakeet

Overview

The grey-headed parakeet (Psittacula finschii) is a parakeet species closely related to the slaty-headed parakeet, forming a super-species. It is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Identification

• Face is grey/green with the rest of the head being dull green.
• A faint pale green band extends below the cheeks to the hindcrown.
• Wings lack patches and the bird possesses a long tail.

Habitat

Found across Southeast Asia from north-eastern India to Vietnam, this species inhabits forests of oak, teak, and pine, as well as deciduous forest hillsides and farmland with scattered trees up to 2,700 metres altitude. In Cambodia, it regularly occurs in areas with evergreen and semi-evergreen vegetation.

Diet

This bird consumes a varied diet of leaf buds, seeds, fruit, berries, and flowers. It is often observed in flocks or family parties and frequently gathers in large groups to roost at dusk.

Did you know?

The bird's binomial name commemorates the German naturalist and explorer Otto Finsch. Its population is negatively impacted by the exotic bird trade, as it is popular as a pet in certain small villages in southern China.