Alexandrine Parakeets

          

The Alexandrine parrot is a larger version of both the Indian and African Ringneck. They look so much like their smaller cousins that many parrot enthusiasts who do not study Asiatics can accidentally classify these parrots as their more popular cousins. All Alexandrine parrots exhibit the classic ringneck look-- dark green bodies, long tails, red beaks, and yellow eyes. The only major difference visible from their cousins are their maroon patched wings and larger bills. These parrots are dimorphic which means males and females look different. The male will showcase a dark black ring, followed by a pink ring--hues of blue cover the face and gradually fade into the body. The female and juveniles lacks these markings. Most male Alexandrine parrots start to develop their ring around 18 months while some can take as long as three years. The only sure way to sex theses parrots before sexual maturity is through DNA sexing.

These parrots are not as popular as Indian Ringnecks in the pet trade because they do not exhibit the many mutations as their cousins. These parrots are renowned for their exotic looks, so much so, parrot collectors quickly purchase them as aviary ornaments because of their prestige and rarity.

In The Wild