LONG TAILED PARAKEET

BURUNG BAYAN NURI

Long-tailed Parakeet (Psittacula longicauda)

Sg. Siput - 23/11/2024

The Long-tailed Parakeet is a colorful and graceful bird native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. It thrives in lowland forests, mangroves, and even plantations, adapting well to varied environments.

This medium-sized parakeet measures around 40 cm in length, with more than half of this length attributed to its long, slender tail. Its plumage is vibrant: the body is predominantly green, while the face features a striking red patch on the cheeks. Males have a distinctive black stripe running across their lores and throat, whereas females lack this marking. Both sexes have bluish hues on their tail feathers.

The Long-tailed Parakeet feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, and nuts. It is highly social, often found in large, noisy flocks that fly swiftly through the treetops. Their loud, screeching calls are typical of parakeets and help maintain group cohesion.

Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to habitat destruction, including deforestation and conversion of forests into agricultural lands. Conservation efforts are essential to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.