Traits: Generally easy-going, plum-headed parakeets are playful, but fairly quiet. When they are not in the breeding season, plum-headed parakeets interact well with other birds of the same species. They become tame with regular handling and interaction.
Behavior/Health Concerns: Plum-headed parakeets are not as big chewers as other Psittaculas. Watch the temperature, because this species is sensitive to cold and wet conditions. Males develop a plum-red head that fades to a purplish-blue color toward the lower cheeks, hind crown and nape of the neck. A black stripe on the males circles the neck and diagonal patches of plum-red wing bars (matching the head color) are on the wing coverts. These male birds have blue central tail feathers with broad white tips and yellowish-green lateral tail feathers, tipped with yellow. The upper mandible of the male is orange and a brownish-black color covers the lower mandible. Females in this species have a lavender-gray head with a golden yellow collar where the male’s black neck ring is. The female’s wing bar is lavender-gray. They have pale yellow upper mandible and the lower portion is gray tinted. Plum-headed parakeets are hearty eaters and thrive on a healthy diet consisting of pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.