How Big is a Moustached Parakeet in Inches? A Comprehensive Guide

The moustached parakeet, also called red-breasted parakeet is a medium-sized bird that is native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a popular pet bird due to its striking appearance and unique behaviors. One common question that many people have about this bird is how big it is.

The moustached parakeet typically measures around 13 to 16 inches in length from the beak to the tip of the tail feathers. This makes it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor aviaries. However, it is important to note that there may be some variation in size depending on the subspecies and individual bird.

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Physical Characteristics of Moustached Parakeet

The bird’s plumage is predominantly green, with a distinctive salmon-colored patch on its breast that gives it its name. The head is gray-blue, and both males and females have a black mustache. Males have a bright red upper bill, while females’ bills are wholly black.

Moustached Parakeets have a long and pointed tail, which makes up a significant portion of their overall length. Their wings are broad and pointed, allowing them to fly quickly and maneuver through dense forest canopies with ease.

In terms of weight, Moustached Parakeets typically weigh between 90-120 grams (3-4 ounces), with males being slightly heavier than females.

Size Comparison to Other Birds

Comparison with Other Parakeets

The Moustached parakeet (Psittacula alexandri) is a medium-sized parrot, measuring around 33 cm (13 inches) in length from head to tail. This makes it slightly larger than some other parakeet species, such as the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) which measures around 18 cm (7 inches) in length, and the lineolated parakeet (Bolborhynchus lineola) which measures around 15 cm (6 inches) in length.

However, the Moustached parakeet is smaller than some other parakeet species, such as the Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) which measures around 60 cm (24 inches) in length, and the Indian ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) which measures around 40 cm (16 inches) in length.

Comparison with Common Birds

Compared to common birds, the Moustached parakeet is similar in size to a crow or a small hawk. For example, a common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) measures around 45 cm (18 inches) in length, while a small hawk species such as the sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) measures around 30 cm (12 inches) in length.

However, the Moustached parakeet is much smaller than larger bird species such as eagles, owls, and vultures, which can measure over 1 meter (3 feet) in length.

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Factors Influencing Size

When it comes to the size of a Moustached parakeet, there are several factors that can influence it. These factors include age, gender, diet, and nutrition.

Age

The age of a Moustached parakeet can have a significant impact on its size. Younger birds tend to be smaller than older birds. As they mature, they will continue to grow until they reach their full adult size. The growth rate of a Moustached parakeet can vary depending on various factors such as diet, genetics, and overall health.

Gender

Gender is another factor that can influence the size of a Moustached parakeet. In general, male Moustached parakeets tend to be larger than females. This difference in size is most noticeable in the head and beak area. Males typically have larger, more prominent beaks than females.

Diet and Nutrition

A healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and protein sources can help ensure that a bird grows to its full potential. On the other hand, a poor diet that lacks essential nutrients can lead to stunted growth and other health problems.

Measurement Techniques

Measuring the size of a Moustached parakeet can be a bit tricky. There are a few different techniques that can be used to get an accurate measurement of this bird’s size.

One common method is to measure the bird from the tip of its beak to the tip of its tail. This is known as the “total length” of the bird. To get an accurate measurement, the bird should be held still and straight while the measurement is taken.

Another method is to measure the bird’s wingspan. This involves measuring the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing while the bird is holding its wings outstretched. This measurement can be useful for comparing the size of different birds.

To get the most accurate measurement of a Moustached parakeet’s size, it’s best to use a combination of these techniques and to take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

The Moustached parakeet is a medium-sized bird that typically measures around 13 inches in length. This makes them an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor aviaries. These birds are easily identified by the large red patch on their breast, which is a distinguishing feature of the species.

The Moustached parakeet is among the more widespread species of the genus Psittacula and is the species which has the most geographical variations. An alternative name for this bird is the red-breasted parakeet or parrot, depending on the subspecies. Most of the subspecies are confined to minuscule islands or a cluster of islands.

The Moustached parakeet is a vibrant and charming pet bird that exhibits unique behaviors that make them even more endearing. These birds are known for their playful and curious nature, and they love to explore their surroundings. They are also very social birds and enjoy the company of other birds and humans alike.