Blossom-headed Parakeet
Psittacula roseata
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Blossom-headed Parakeet is a striking medium-sized parrot, primarily green in colour. Males have a distinctive rosy pink face that transitions to bluish-lilac on the back of the head, with a black neck ring. The body is bright green, including the rump. The tail is long and tapered, with central feathers showing pale yellow tips.
Females have a duller, grey-blue head instead of pink colouring. Both sexes have a red beak and grey legs. Juveniles are similar to females but have an all-green head.
Size
Length
33cm to 36cm
Wingspan
42cm to 48cm
Weight
110g to 130g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Blossom-headed Parakeets inhabit a range of wooded habitats, including deciduous forests, bamboo groves, and cultivated areas with trees. They are found in parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
While primarily resident, some local movements occur in response to food availability.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Blossom-headed Parakeet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Highly agile flyer with excellent manoeuvrability through forest canopies. Their acrobatic feeding habits, including hanging upside down to reach fruits on thin branches, demonstrate exceptional aerial dexterity.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Moderate strength typical for a medium-sized parakeet. Whilst capable of cracking seeds and fruits, and strong enough for acrobatic movements, they aren't particularly powerful compared to other similarly-sized birds.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows good adaptability by thriving in various wooded habitats from deciduous forests to cultivated areas. Can adjust their diet to available food sources and cope with elevations up to 1500 metres, though somewhat vulnerable to habitat changes.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally peaceful and social, typically seen in small flocks or pairs. Whilst they may engage in territorial behaviour during breeding season, they're not notably aggressive birds. Their social nature suggests a relatively mild temperament.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates good endurance through daily foraging activities and ability to maintain hovering flight whilst feeding. Their size and flying capabilities suggest reasonable stamina, though they're not known for particularly long-distance movements.
Diet
Blossom-headed Parakeets are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds. They have a particular fondness for figs and other soft fruits.
These parakeets also consume flower buds, nectar, and occasionally cultivated grains, sometimes leading to conflicts with farmers.
Behaviour
Blossom-headed Parakeets are highly social, often seen in small flocks or pairs. They are agile flyers, manoeuvring swiftly through forest canopies.
These parakeets are known for their acrobatic feeding habits, often hanging upside down to reach fruits and seeds on thin branches.
Vocalisation
Blossom-headed Parakeets have a variety of vocalisations, including sharp, high-pitched 'kee-kee' calls often given in flight. Their repertoire includes softer chattering and whistling notes when perched.
During courtship, males produce a series of melodious warbles and trills to attract females.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Blossom-headed Parakeets typically occurs from January to April. Pairs form strong bonds and engage in mutual preening and feeding as part of courtship.
These parakeets are cavity nesters, often using natural tree hollows or abandoned woodpecker holes. The female lays 4-6 white, rounded eggs in the unlined cavity.
Incubation lasts about 22 days and is primarily performed by the female. Both parents care for the chicks, who fledge after approximately 7 weeks but remain dependent on them for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Blossom-headed Parakeet is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting its forest habitats and enforcing laws against illegal trapping and trade. Monitoring programs are in place to track population trends.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in open woodlands and cultivated areas with trees
- Listen for their distinctive, sharp calls, especially at dawn and dusk
- Observe fruiting trees where they often feed in small groups
- Use binoculars to spot the male's pink head, which stands out against green foliage
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Rosy-headed Parakeet, Himalayapsitta roseata
Family:
PsittacidaeAverage Lifespan
15 to 20 years
Predators
Main predators include birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, as well as larger owls. Snakes and small mammals may also prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Male Blossom-headed Parakeets develop their pink head colouration only after reaching maturity at about 3 years of age.
- These parakeets are known for their ability to mimic human speech and other sounds in captivity.
- They play a role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration in their native habitats.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2023. Himalayapsitta roseata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T22685486A241241739.
View source - 2
report, 2017: Collar and Kirwan
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