Parrots are among the most colorful and intelligent bird species found in India. Known for their vivid plumage, playful behavior, and exceptional mimicry skills, parrots hold cultural, ecological, and aesthetic significance. India is home to several native parrot species, many of which are commonly seen in forests, urban areas, and rural regions.
Parrots play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance as seed dispersers, aiding forest regeneration. However, due to habitat loss, illegal poaching, and environmental changes, some parrot species in India are now considered threatened or endangered.
This article provides a detailed list of more than 10 top parrot varieties found in India, their characteristics, habitats, and conservation status.
1. Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
The Rose-Ringed Parakeet, commonly known as “Indian Ringneck Parrot”, is one of the most recognizable parrot species in India.
- Appearance: Bright green plumage with a red beak; males have a black and pink “ring” around the neck.
- Size: 40 cm in length
- Habitat: Forests, farmlands, and urban areas across India
- Distribution: Pan-India, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka
- Characteristics:
- Excellent mimicry skills; often seen in human settlements.
- Social and vocal birds, forming flocks.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
- Uses: Commonly seen as pets (though keeping wild parrots as pets is illegal).
2. Plum-Headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala)
The Plum-Headed Parakeet is a colorful parrot species known for its striking appearance.
- Appearance: Males have a purple-plum colored head, while females have grey heads; green body with a red beak.
- Size: 33 cm in length
- Habitat: Forest edges, woodlands, and urban areas
- Distribution: Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Northern India
- Characteristics:
- Gentle and less noisy compared to other parakeets.
- Known for their acrobatics and feeding habits.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
3. Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria)
The Alexandrine Parakeet is the largest parakeet species found in India.
- Appearance: Large green body with a red shoulder patch and a thick red beak.
- Size: 56–60 cm in length
- Habitat: Forests, agricultural lands, and urban areas
- Distribution: Northern, Central, and Southern India
- Characteristics:
- Excellent flyers and strong mimics.
- Often seen in large flocks near farmlands.
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened (due to poaching).
4. Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides)
The Malabar Parakeet, also called the Blue-Winged Parakeet, is endemic to the Western Ghats.
- Appearance: Males have bluish plumage with a black neck ring; females are duller.
- Size: 38–40 cm in length
- Habitat: Evergreen and moist deciduous forests
- Distribution: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Restricted to specific habitats, making conservation vital.
- Known for their melodious calls.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
5. Vernal Hanging Parrot (Loriculus vernalis)
The Vernal Hanging Parrot is India’s only hanging parrot species.
- Appearance: Small, bright green with a red rump and beak.
- Size: 14 cm in length
- Habitat: Forested areas, plantations, and orchards
- Distribution: Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and northeastern India
- Characteristics:
- Known for their unique ability to hang upside down.
- Quiet and elusive birds that feed on fruits and nectar.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
6. Red-Breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri)
The Red-Breasted Parakeet is a distinctive parrot species with colorful plumage.
- Appearance: Green body with a red-pink breast and a dark stripe across the face.
- Size: 34 cm in length
- Habitat: Tropical forests, plantations, and urban regions
- Distribution: Northeastern India, West Bengal, Andaman Islands
- Characteristics:
- Active and social birds, often found in noisy flocks.
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened
7. Blue-Winged Parakeet (Psittacula calthrapae)
The Blue-Winged Parakeet is a lesser-known parrot species in India.
- Appearance: Green plumage with blue wings and a faint black collar.
- Size: 33 cm in length
- Habitat: Western Ghats forests
- Distribution: Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Characteristics:
- Endemic to India’s Western Ghats.
- Lives in small flocks and is highly dependent on forest habitats.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
8. Blossom-Headed Parakeet (Psittacula roseata)
Blossom-Headed Parakeets are known for their stunning color contrasts.
- Appearance: Males have a pinkish-purple head and green body; females have duller hues.
- Size: 30 cm in length
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and orchards
- Distribution: Northeastern India, Bengal, Assam
- Characteristics:
- Inhabit forest edges and feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
9. Slaty-Headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana)
The Slaty-Headed Parakeet is a beautiful species found in Himalayan regions.
- Appearance: Slate-grey head with a bright green body and red beak.
- Size: 34–36 cm in length
- Habitat: Himalayan foothills, forests, and orchards
- Distribution: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir
- Characteristics:
- Prefers high-altitude forests and hill slopes.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
10. Himalayan Parakeet (Psittacula himalayensis)
Himalayan Parakeets are another vibrant parrot species restricted to the Himalayan region.
- Appearance: Green body, red beak, and a faint collar ring.
- Size: 36–38 cm in length
- Habitat: Himalayan forests and foothills
- Distribution: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim
- Characteristics:
- Well-adapted to cooler regions.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern
Parrots are an integral part of India’s rich biodiversity, with species like the Rose-Ringed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, and Plum-Headed Parakeet adding to the ecological and cultural heritage. While many of these birds thrive in their natural habitats, conservation efforts are essential to protect them from threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change. By raising awareness, we can ensure that these beautiful birds continue to flourish in India’s forests and skies.
FAQs
Q1: Which is the most common parrot species found in India?
A: The Rose-Ringed Parakeet is the most common parrot species seen across India.
Q2: Which parrot species is endemic to the Western Ghats?
A: The Malabar Parakeet and Blue-Winged Parakeet are endemic to the Western Ghats.
Q3: Why is the Alexandrine Parakeet considered Near Threatened?
A: The Alexandrine Parakeet faces threats from habitat loss and illegal pet trade, leading to population decline.
Q4: Which parrot has black-colored meat and cultural significance?
A: The Kadaknath breed is associated with chickens, not parrots. Parrots are protected under Indian law, and keeping them as pets is illegal.
Q5: Which parrot species is known for hanging upside down?
A: The Vernal Hanging Parrot is known for its ability to hang upside down while feeding.
