Red-breasted parakeet

The red-breasted parakeet, also known as the moustached parakeet, is a bird species renowned for its distinctive red chest patch. This bird exhibits several geographical variations and inhabits a range of regions. Most subspecies reside on small islands in Indonesia, with additional populations found in the Andaman Islands and parts of Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, the nominate race in Java is nearing extinction due to threats such as the illegal wild bird trade.

Interestingly, these parakeets have also established feral populations in various urban areas. In India, they can be spotted in cities like Mumbai, and to a lesser extent, in Chennai and Bangalore.

The scientific name of this bird, *Psittacula alexandri*, honors Alexander the Great, who is credited with bringing eastern parakeets to Greece. This made it the first bird species to be named after a person in scientific nomenclature.

There are several subspecies of the red-breasted parakeet, each with unique characteristics and habitats. These include:

- *Psittacula alexandri abbotti*

- *Psittacula alexandri alexandri*

- *Psittacula alexandri cala*

- *Psittacula alexandri dammermani*

- *Psittacula alexandri fasciata*

- *Psittacula alexandri kangeanensis*

- *Psittacula alexandri major*

- *Psittacula alexandri perionca*

Each subspecies adds its own charm and enhances the diversity of this captivating bird species.