INDONESIA - MOUSTACHED PARAKEET - 26 SEPTEMBER 2015

Psittacula alexandri alexandri

Its most distinguishing feature is its moustache-like markings on the sides of its face, resembling a moustache. In most subspecies of Moustached Parakeets, the males have red beaks and the females have black.

Males:

The male Moustached Parakeet is attractively shaped, slim, with a long and thin tail, green plumage, a grey head, red bill, and distinguishing markings on its head and face. The area around the eyes is greenish and his heads have a pretty bluish tinge. There is a thin line across its forehead and wide stripes on his cheeks. The plumage on the breasts, throat and upper abdomen is pink / salmon extending half way to the vent.

Females:

The hen has a bluish tinge through the face region. They generally have a duller pink color on their chests and their middle tail feathers are shorter than the male's feathers.

 

Young Birds:

Immature birds have shorter tails, light pink bills, and the incomplete cheek stripes easily distinguish

Young birds are difficult to sex, however, breeders have successfully identified males and females. The hen's head is more evenly arched from the cere to the back of the head. The young males tend to be flatter on theforehead. Hens appear to have a darker bluish face.