Alexandrine Parrot

The Alexandrine Parrot

Sometimes is known as the "poor man’s Macaw" is certainly a most attractive bird, and one that is now getting out more and more into aviculture. One of the most impressive things about these birds is their size, which is around 58 to 60cm. The alexandrine originates from Southern India and Sri Lanka.

In the wild these birds breed from November till April, laying their clutch of two to four eggs in large trees such as palms and malabarcias. They chew out hollows to suit themselves, with several pairs sometimes using the same tree. Although not recommended in captivity, in the wild these
birds colonize without any major problems. They have been known to nest in wall cavities and
roofs of houses. Natural foods consist of seeds, nuts, berries, flowers, fruit and nectar. These birds are known to damage grain, maize and rice fields, as well as fruit plantations.

In Australian avicultural conditions they breed from early August through January, nesting in either natural logs or sturdy well made nest boxes. If young are taken away from the parents for hand rearing purposes the parent birds will sometimes double brood without any problems. Incubation is around 25 to 28 days and if left with the parents the young fledge at around 7 weeks later. Young stay dependent on their parents, with both parent birds feeding for another 3 weeks after that. Young stay with the females until adult plumage starts at around 18 months and will not compete until adulthood is reached at 32 or so months of age. Adult males will be blessed with the stunning nape or neck band, common in Asiatic bird species, while females do not carry them. Both sexes have a lovely maroon/purple wing or shoulder patch which maybe slightly larger in male birds. These birds stay in great tight feather most of the year until, like all asiatics, molt. Molting may last up to 6 to 8 weeks. There are mutations available in this bird around the world.

Some of these mutations are lutino, blue, grey, olive and white

Worming – like all parrots, Alexandrines can get worms and should be wormed every three months.

Food – large parrot seed is the best seed for Alexandrines, you can also feed apples, carrots, cuttlefish, broccoli, corn and many other veggies.