Grey-headed parakeet

The grey-headed parakeet is a captivating bird indigenous to Southeast Asia, with a range extending from northeastern India to Vietnam. It shares a close relationship with the slaty-headed parakeet, forming what ornithologists refer to as a super-species. The bird's scientific name honors Otto Finsch, a distinguished German naturalist.

This parakeet is easily identifiable by its greyish-green face, a muted green head adorned with a faint pale green band, and a long tail. Unlike certain other parakeets, it lacks wing patches. These birds flourish in forests at altitudes up to 2,700 meters, particularly in regions with oak, teak, pine, and cedar trees.

In terms of diet, grey-headed parakeets consume a diverse array of foods such as leaf buds, seeds, fruits, berries, and flowers. They are gregarious creatures, often observed in flocks or small family groups. Seasonal changes and food availability may prompt them to migrate to different altitudes.

Their breeding season spans from January to March, during which females lay clutches of 4-5 eggs. Despite their adaptability, these birds face significant threats. They are frequently captured for the exotic bird trade, and habitat loss due to deforestation and logging is an ongoing concern. In China, they are relatively rare, while in places like Laos, they might find sanctuary in the undisturbed forest hills.