The Moustache Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri alexandri): A Playful and Clever Pet Parrot
The moustached parrot is a beautiful bird. Its name comes from the distinctive feathers that appear above the beak and resemble a well-groomed’mustache. Bird lovers love this bird’s sweet personality and outgoing nature. The moustached parrot is an excellent choice if you want a small bird that can talk and perch comfortably on your shoulder.
The Moustache Parakeet Scientific Classification |
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| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Superfamily | Psittacoidea |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Subfamily | Psittaculinae |
| Tribe | Psittaculini |
| Genus | Psittacula |
| Scientific Name | Psittacula alexandri |
The Physical Appearance Of A Moustache Parrot
The pet moustache parakeets have a green body and a salmon chest. They also have coloured upper abdomens. Upper part of lower abdomen is lilac and lower part is green. The females are usually paler than the males. Birds have a blue grey head with a thin band of black between their eyes and a larger black band on either side of their faces, which looks like a moustache. Each wing has a yellow spot. The tail is a mix of blue and green.
The males of the species have an orange beak, while the females are black. Both sexes of immature birds have a beak that is black and a chest and abdomen that are green. Adult birds measure between 13 and 16 inch in length.
The Moustache Parakeet Origin and History
The range of the moustached parakeet is extensive in Southeast Asia. The species is indigenous to China, and several subspecies are found on the Indonesian islands. The wild populations are expanding to other areas including nearby cities. Their shrinking habitat is causing flocks to move into urban areas.
This species lives in the wild in woods, mountains, and hills and can form flocks of 60 birds. It’s difficult to miss the group, as they can be quite loud. When danger is near, this bird makes a deafening warning call. During mating season, the pair will find a cavity in a tree to live until the chicks are fully grown.
The Moustache Parakeet Temperament
When properly socialized and hand-fed, moustached parakeets make wonderful pets. They are social, active creatures that love to play games with their owners and spend time together.
Owners of moustached parrots have reported that their birds are bossy and needy. If they feel neglected, they will try to get the attention of their owner. They are more laid back than the Indian ringneck parrot.
The moustached parakeet doesn’t like to be held, but will accept some petting around the neck. It may become more tolerant of cuddling if handled gently and often.
Despite the fact that moustached parakeets can be highly intelligent and easily trained, some owners have reported aggression problems. This is usually due to inadequate socialization. Moustached parakeets will bond with one person and act out towards other people or pets.
They also exhibit aggressive bluffing behaviors, including biting and territorial behavior during their adolescence. Due to their aggressive behavior and need for extra care, some birders disagree that they are the best bird species.
These birds are known to be great talkers, especially the males. They will provide their owners with years of humorous companionship when properly cared for.
The Moustache Parakeet Speech and Vocalizations
All parrots make noise. However, the moustached parakeet is one of the quieter varieties when it comes to squawking and screaming. Owners report that their birds prefer to talk or whistle rather than yell ear-piercing noises. A moustached parrot is a good choice for people who are looking for a parrot, but prefer a quieter bird.
The Moustache Parakeet Colours and Markings
The beautiful feathers of the moustached parakeets are rainbow. They have gorgeous greenish-blue feathers on their tails. Their wings and backs are a mixture of brilliant yellow and green. Their heads are powder blue with black “moustache stripes” above and below the beaks. The rose-colored breasts fade into a bluish turquoise shade on their legs and bellies.
It’s easy to distinguish males from females in this dimorphic species. The beak is the best way to tell the difference between the sexes. Males have a pinker breast while females are more tan. Males have an orange upper mandible and a yellow tip. The beaks of females are shades of gray, or sometimes even black. Both species have gray feet.
Some color variations occur from time to time. For example, birds may have more blues or turquoises in their plumage.
How to care for a Moustached Parakeet
They are less common than other species as pets, but they are growing in popularity. They are usually only available from specialty breeders.
This bird needs a small cage, measuring 3 feet by 2 feet and 3 feet. It is not advisable to have two individuals share the same cage. Also, different genders can cause problems. Males are usually dominated by females.
They are curious and always want to find out what you’re up to. They are curious. They may wander into areas of your house that you do not want them to. You should always keep a perch near the cage and return your bird to it when it wanders. This bird loves to perch on shoulders.
A moustached parrot is not the best pet for a family. It’s a more personal pet. If you’re a single person, or plan to be that bird’s only caretaker, this bird may be your most loyal friend.
The Moustache Parakeet Common Health Problems
The bird is hardy, but can be vulnerable to certain conditions.
- A deadly virus, polyoma is an avian disease
- Sarcocystosis is a parasitic infection
- Aspergillosis is a fungal infection
- Bacterial infections
- Vitamin A deficiency
- The chlamydia bacterium causes psittacosis, or parrot fever.
The Moustache Parakeet Diet and Nutrition
This bird is found in the wild eating fruits, seeds and flowers. It is important to provide pet moustached parrots with a variety of foods, including a commercial seed mix and pellet formula.
You can feed your bird a quarter cup of pelleted foods and 1/4 cup of fruits and vegetables every day. Your bird will be healthier if you feed it a raw, varied diet. The moustached parakeet is known for being a good eater. Fruits and vegetables are more tolerant of them than most other birds. To avoid obesity, seeds should be given in moderation. However, they are a good source of protein.
You can also feed bananas, melons, apples, kale and collards. Avocado can be toxic for these birds.
The Moustache Parakeet Molting
It is normal for birds to molt as they replace damaged or old feathers with new ones. The first time you notice a moustache parrot molting, it can be alarming. In addition to losing feathers, the bird will look duller and quieter. Petra received a high-quality diet during this time, and I also fed him molting food. He quickly returned to normal.
The Moustache Parakeet Exercise & Entertainment
Both in the wild as well as in captivity, moustached parakeets can be very active. This bird will need plenty of space to play, climb and swing in their cages.
These requirements may make them not the best pet for someone who has very little time to interact with their pets. These requirements may make them unsuitable for s who have little time to spend with their pets.
Toys will keep this parakeet entertained and happy. Give your parrot a cage that is large and has plenty of chew toys, ladders, and swings. Toys made of wood, leather or beads are appreciated and will provide stimulation.
The cage should be large enough to allow for plenty of climbing space. The cage should be filled with interesting toys. The moustache parrot is an intelligent bird, so it needs to keep its mind occupied. Boredom can make the bird unhappy and lead to behavior problems. Even if the bird must be kept in its cage for some time, it should still be allowed to go out each day. Make sure the room you are letting your bird explore is safe before releasing it. This is especially true if the pet has the ability to fly.
They love to chew. It is important to provide them with a variety of chewable toys. It is important to satisfy the natural urge of chewing. When you have a moustache parrot, toys are a constant expense because he will destroy wooden ones. You can also put in the cage other wooden items that are safe to use by birds.
The Good
- Intelligent, great mimicker and talker
- Beautiful and eye-catching species
- Quieter Parrot: You may be able to live with your neighbors.
The Not So Good
- It’s not much of a pet for a family; it’s more like a pet for a single individual
- It may have a biting or aggressive phase during its adolescence. Not recommended for families with small children
How to Adopt or Buy a Moustached Parakeet
Visit local breeders to learn more about their birds’ personalities. You can get a better feel for the life of a moustached parrot by visiting a local breeder. Breeders can charge anywhere from $400 to $1200; animal shelters and rescue groups are also a good place to look. Online resources will help you find breeders and rescues.
When buying from a breeder make sure to interview them. Check out the health of their birds. Ask about their living conditions. And talk to previous customers. You should avoid breeders with cramped conditions, inactive animals, or who do not answer your questions.
