Alexandrine Ringneck Parakeet

The Alexandrine Parakeet or Alexandrian Parrot (Psittacula eupatria) is a member of the psittaciformes order and of the psittacines family.

The species is named after Alexander the Great, who is credited with the exporting of numerous specimens of this bird from Punjab into various European & Mediterranean countries and regions, where they were considered prized possessions for the nobles and royalty.

The Alexandrine Parakeet is a large Parakeet species measuring 58 cm (23 in) in total length with a wingspan averaging 18.9–21.5 cm (7.5–8.5 in).

All Alexandrine Parakeets (irrespective of age, gender and/or sub-species) boldly display a maroon (reddish-brown) patch at the top of their wing coverts (commonly called 'shoulder' patch). The shoulder patch is seen in parakeets at their first feathering before fledging from their nests. The lower and upper mandible are red with yellow tips. The adult's irises are yellowish-white and the periopthalmic rings are light grey. The legs are grey except in the P. e. siamensis (Laos' or Siamese sub-species) where they are yellowish-grey.  This information was taken from www.avianweb.com

At Cub Creek Science Camp we have an Alexandrine Ringneck Parakeet in The Jungle area of the Ranch.  Her name is Miroqui and she loves fresh fruit and she always steals the peanuts from the Chinchillas.  Our Science Camp campers can feed her and pet her on the head if they adopt her for the week.  Miroqui will step up on your hand if she likes you.