Slaty-headed parakeets
A large group of Slaty-headed Parakeets at the top of a tree. Himalayan foothills, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.
About Slaty-headed Parakeets:
The Slaty-headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana) is a distinctive parakeet in the family Psittacid. Found primarily in the Indian subcontinent their range extends from the foothills of Western Himalayas to Arunachal Pradesh.
They are the only true parrot to engage in Altitudinal migration; short-distance migration from higher to lower altitudes and back.
The species is usually found at elevations between 460–2400 meters in its natural habitat of highland/hillside forest and valley woodlands. Here they feed on a variety of fruits, nuts, seeds, nectar, and acorns.
They are typically seen in small flocks or family groups, however following the monsoon multiple large flocks can be seen migrating down to the valleys for the winters, typically during the last week of October. It is common for to see them mingle with other parakeet species such as the rose-ringed parakeet, plum-headed parakeet, and blossom-headed parakeet.
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Find out more about Slaty-headed Parakeets here.