Have you ever wondered about those bright, colorful tropical birds with curved beaks that can talk and mimic sounds? Known for their intelligence and vocal abilities, parrots make popular human companions. But there’s much more to these birds than mimicking speech. Parrots comprise a scientific order called Psittaciformes, containing over 350 species of parrots, parakeets,…
Taxonomy – the science of classifying organisms – provides the fundamental framework for studying and understanding the diversity of life. This is especially true when it comes to the complex taxonomy of the class Aves, or birds. With over 10,000 species living today, birds display a spectacular variety of sizes, shapes, colors, behaviors, and ecological…
Psittacula parakeets are amazing birds! There are so many different kinds. They live in the tropics of the Old World. This includes Africa, Asia, and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These parakeets come in all the colors of the rainbow! Their feathers are bright and beautiful. They also make a lot of noise…
The Seychelles Parakeet (Psittacula wardi) was a beautiful green parrot native to the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean. As its common name suggests, this vibrant bird was endemic to the Seychelles, found nowhere else in the world. Tragically, despite its beauty and uniqueness, the Seychelles Parakeet eventually went extinct in the early 20th century due to…
As researchers of endangered species, we often lament the extinction of creatures that vanish before we can fully understand them. The Newton’s parakeet also known as the Rodrigues parakeet or Rodrigues ring-necked parakeet, a small vividly-colored bird native to the Seychelles islands, represents one such loss; it was driven to extinction in the early 20th century before…
The extinct Mascarene Grey Parakeet (Psittacula bensoni) was a unique parrot species found only on the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean. Once abundant across Mauritius, Réunion and possibly other islands, this brilliantly colored parakeet disappeared in less than 200 years following human colonization of the islands. Today, the Mascarene Grey Parakeet serves as a…
The Slaty-headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana) is a beautiful bird that makes a delightful pet for the right owner. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about this parrot species, from their appearance and behavior to how to care for them properly. An Introduction to the Slaty-headed Parakeet The Slaty-headed Parakeet, sometimes called the…
The Long-tailed Parakeet is a stunning tropical bird renowned for its exceptionally long tail feathers. In this comprehensive guide, discover everything you need to know about this captivating parrot species, from its appearance and behavior to keeping it as a pet. An Overview of the Graceful Long-tailed Parakeet The Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda) is a…
The blossom-headed parakeet, also known as the rose-headed parakeet, is a beautiful bird named for the distinctive pink and violet plumage on its head. While a popular pet, this parakeet is facing threats in the wild. Read this guide to learn everything about this charming bird’s characteristics, care as a pet, breeding habits, conservation status,…
The Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) is a large, vibrantly colored parrot native to South and Southeast Asia. With its long tail feathers and rose-colored nape, the Alexandrine parakeet is one of the most visually striking members of the parakeet family. But did you know there are actually 5 recognized subspecies of Alexandrine parakeets, each with…
