From The Indian subcontinent: the lower Himalayan foothills from north-eastern Pakistan through Nepal and Bhutan, most of India, West Bengal and Sri Lanka.1
Feathered; slim parakeet with a long, white-tipped tail
A slender, yellowish-green parakeet with a long graduated tail tipped in blue and white. Adult males have a deep plum-red head that turns violet-blue towards the back of the crown, a thin black chin strap and collar, and a small dark red shoulder patch. Hens have a soft blue-grey head and a yellow collar instead of black.12
ColoursGreen body with plum-red head (males)Green body with blue-grey head (females)12
Personality what they are like
A sociable, chatty bird that lives in flocks and often nests in colonies. In captivity it can pick up beeps, short whistled tunes and even words. It flies fast with quick twists and turns.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs room to fly. The World Parrot Trust suggests a walk-in aviary at least 3 m long, with swings, ladders, ropes, foot toys and chewable wood for play.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide bathing water and a steady supply of bird-safe chewables such as fir, pine, willow or elder wood, pine cones and vegetable-tanned leather toys.1
Home where they are happiest
A walk-in aviary with a minimum length of about 3 m.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A small-seed mix (canary seed, millet, oats, buckwheat, safflower) with soaked or sprouted sunflower, spray millet, green leaves and plenty of fruit, especially apple. In the wild it eats more fruit than most Asian parakeets, plus flowers, buds, nectar and seeds.1
Company who they like around
A flock species that often breeds in loose colonies and forages alongside other parakeets, so it does best with company of its own kind.12
The story where it all began
Brisson described this parakeet in 1760 and Linnaeus gave it a Latin name in 1766; the species name means 'dark-blue headed'. The Greek physician Ctesias, writing in the 5th century BC, probably described this very bird as one that could speak both an Indian language and Greek.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Its flight call is often written as 'toowinck-toowinck'.1
2
A Greek writer in the 5th century BC probably described this bird as able to talk in two languages.2
3
The tail can be up to about 22 cm long, well over half the bird's total length.2
4
It eats more fruit than most of its Asian parakeet relatives.1
Described by Brisson in 1760 and named by Linnaeus in 1766. Once treated as the same species as the blossom-headed parakeet, now a full species with no subspecies.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Plum-headed Parakeet. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Fresh food and waterevery day
Cage linerevery 2 days
Full cleanevery week
Bath offerevery 3 days
Nails checkevery month
Beak checkevery month
Toy rotationevery week
Out-of-cage timeAbout 2 hours a dayevery day
Vet check-upevery year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Parrot Salad
A quick, fresh mix of safe fruits and vegetables that provides essential vitamins and moisture. Perfect for a single serving to avoid spoilage.
You need
4 types of safe vegetables (e.g., carrot, broccoli, peas, kale)
2 types of safe fruit (e.g., apple, blueberry, pomegranate)
Handful of sprouted mustard or cress (or chopped dandelion leaves)
Handful of parrot seed mix
How
Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
Chop the vegetables and fruit into small, bird-safe pieces.
Mix the chopped produce with the sprouted greens in a bowl.
Stir in the seed mix until everything is lightly coated.
Serve immediately and remove any uneaten salad after a few hours.
How much: One serving per parrot, offered as part of their fresh food allowance.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Plum-headed Parakeet?
Fresh food and water should be offered every day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a daily feeding routine to keep your parakeet healthy and happy. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Plum-headed Parakeet eat, and what should it never eat?
A small-seed mix with soaked sunflower, spray millet, green leaves, and plenty of fruit like apple is ideal. Avoid any foods not listed as safe, ask your vet for a complete list of toxic items.1
How much space does a Plum-headed Parakeet need?
A walk-in aviary at least 3 meters long is recommended, with room to fly and plenty of toys. This gives your parakeet the exercise and enrichment it needs.1
What temperature, light or water does a Plum-headed Parakeet need?
Specific temperature and light needs vary by environment. For bathing, provide fresh water regularly. Consult an exotic-pet vet for precise guidance on your setup.
How often should I clean a Plum-headed Parakeet's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests changing cage liners every 2 days and doing a full clean once a week. This keeps the habitat fresh and reduces mess. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Plum-headed Parakeet live with others?
Yes, they are a flock species and do best with company of their own kind. They often forage and nest alongside other parakeets, so a companion is wonderful for them.12
How long does a Plum-headed Parakeet live?
With good care, they can live between 15 and 25 years. This is a long-term commitment, so be ready for a joyful, chatty companion for decades.1
Can I handle a Plum-headed Parakeet?
They are sociable and can learn to enjoy handling with patience and trust-building. Furry Diary's plan includes daily out-of-cage time, which helps strengthen your bond.21Pet Wiki plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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