India is home to some of the world's most beautiful and colourful parrot species, with 12 different types found across the subcontinent. While the familiar green parrots are often seen painting the skies in groups during mornings and evenings, several other stunning Indian parrot species remain uncommon and hardly known. These unique creatures are not only a sight to behold but are also incredibly intelligent and social, capable of mimicking human speech. Here are some of the most stunning Indian parrot species still found in the wild.
Alexandrine parakeet
The Alexandrine parakeet is India's largest parakeet, growing up to 62 cm from head to tail and weighing between 200 and 300 grams. This beautiful bird is mostly covered in green feathers with a light blue-grey sheen on its cheeks and nape. Its beauty is enhanced by a yellow-green abdomen, red shoulder patches, and a massive, bright red beak with yellow tips. Male Alexandrine parakeets are easily identified by their rose-coloured nape and black stripe across the lower cheeks, while females lack both features.
Rose-ringed parakeet
The Rose-ringed parakeet is one of India's most widely found and adaptable parrot species, found across the country in cities and often forming nests in trees within parks or green areas. This green-bodied bird has a visible black ring and rose-coloured collar in males, while females lack the ring entirely. These parakeets are highly vocal and can easily copy sounds and human speech.
Plum-headed parakeet
The Plum-headed parakeet is a brilliantly coloured species found in northern and central parts of India. Male birds are easily identified by their beautiful purple-red head and neck that contrasts with their green body, while females have a more regular and less colourful green appearance. Unlike the more widely found parrot species, Plum-headed parakeets are more likely to be spotted in forested habitats where they can thrive undisturbed.
Blossom-headed parakeet
The Blossom-headed parakeet is a stunning species restricted to eastern India, particularly Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. This parakeet is similar to the Plum-headed parakeet but has a more distinct rose-coloured head in males, with a green body and a subtle pinkish hue on the chest.
Malabar parakeet
The Malabar parakeet, also known as the Blue-winged Parakeet, is mostly found along the Malabar Coast of southwestern India, particularly in Kerala and parts of Karnataka. This species has a green body with a visible bluish-grey head that contrasts beautifully with its green body. Male Malabar parakeets have a dark black stripe or 'moustache' running from the beak down the side of the face, while females do not have this feature.
