The Alexandrine parakeet was named after Alexander the Great who brought them from Punjab to European and Mediterranean countries where they were prized by nobility and royalty.
They are a medium-sized parrot and one of the largest of the parakeets. They measure 22-24 inches total with about half of that being tail. By 3 years of age, you can visually tell males from females (sexual dimorphism). Males will develop a black stripe on their lower cheeks and a pink band on the nape and females will lack these.
There are 5 subspecies of Alexandrine parakeet. You can see what they are and where their native ranges are by clicking this link: Wikipedia.
Alexandrine parakeets look a lot like Indian ringneck parakeets. The easiest way to tell them apart is the Alexandrine has a maroon patch on its shoulder and the Indian ringneck does not.
Alexandrine parakeets can make good pets. They are intelligent, playful, and can be great talkers.
If you are considering getting any kind of pet parrot, read this article first: Things you must consider before getting a pet parrot
Cute Alexandrine parakeets making their natural sounds
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