Moustached Parakeet – A Complete Guide to Moustached Parakeets

The Moustached Parakeet, also known as the Moustached Parrot or Red-breasted Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri), is a medium-sized bird native to Southeast Asia. This species of parakeet is highly recognizable due to its distinct facial markings, resembling a “moustache,” which contributes to its name. Here’s an in-depth look at this fascinating bird:

Moustached Parakeet Classification and Taxonomy

Scientific Name: Psittacula alexandri
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Psittacula
Common Names: Moustached Parakeet, Red-breasted Parakeet, Moustached Parrot

A moustache parakeet sitting on its perch. Given the right attention, they can live 20 to 25 years in captivity, making them a long-term companion.

What’s it Like Owning a Moustached Parakeet?

Owning a Moustached Parakeet can be a rewarding experience due to its vibrant personality, intelligence, and striking appearance. These birds are social and form strong bonds with their owners but require regular interaction and mental stimulation to prevent boredom or destructive behaviors like feather plucking. They are lively and active, needing plenty of space to fly, climb, and exercise. While affectionate, they also have an independent streak, so patience is needed for training. Moustached Parakeets are known for being vocal, and though they can mimic some speech, they aren’t as proficient as other parrot species. Proper care includes a balanced diet, daily socialization, and a clean environment.

Physical Description of the Moustached Parakeet

Size: Adult birds typically measure around 30 to 35 cm (12 to 14 inches) in length, including their long, tapered tails.
Weight: They generally weigh between 120 to 160 grams.
Coloration: The Moustached Parakeet has a green body, but its standout features include a pinkish-red or salmon-colored breast, and a grayish-blue head. They are easily recognized by the dark line running from the base of their beak to the eye, resembling a moustache. Males and females look alike, but males tend to have a more prominent red patch on their wings.
Beak: They have a strong, hooked beak, with the upper mandible often bright red and the lower one black.
Tail: Their long tail is bluish-green, with a distinct yellow tip.

Moustached Parakeet Habitat and Distribution

The Moustached Parakeet is native to the forests and woodlands of South and Southeast Asia. It can be found in countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Habitat: These birds prefer tropical and subtropical lowland forests, but they are also commonly found in secondary forests, scrublands, and cultivated areas. They have shown adaptability to human environments and can sometimes be seen in urban areas.
Altitude Range: They can live in habitats ranging from sea level to about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) above sea level.

Behavior and Social Structure of Moustached Parakeets

Diet: The Moustached Parakeet primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and flowers. In the wild, they are known to raid crops, particularly orchards, which can make them a pest in some agricultural areas.
Social Behavior: These parakeets are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. During the breeding season, they become more territorial, but outside of it, they are generally non-aggressive and can be seen interacting with other bird species.
Communication: They are vocal birds, with a range of squawks, chirps, and calls that they use to communicate with one another. In captivity, they can be taught to mimic human speech, though not as proficiently as some other parrot species.

Moustached Parakeet Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding Season: In the wild, breeding typically occurs between February and June, depending on the region.
Nesting: They nest in tree cavities, either natural or excavated by other species. In captivity, they will use nesting boxes.
Clutch Size: Females typically lay between 2 to 4 eggs per clutch.
Incubation: The female incubates the eggs for about 22 to 24 days. During this time, the male will help feed and protect the nest.
Chick Development: Once hatched, the chicks fledge at around 7 to 8 weeks of age. They continue to rely on their parents for food for several more weeks after fledging.

Conservation Status

The Moustached Parakeet is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade pose significant threats in certain parts of their range. In some regions, they are also persecuted as pests because they can damage fruit crops.

Moustached Parakeet Subspecies

There are eight recognized subspecies of the Moustached Parakeet, each differing slightly in size and coloration. These include:

P. a. alexandri – the nominate subspecies, found in Java and Bali.
P. a. fasciata – found in the Andaman Islands, with more intense red on the breast.
P. a. abbotti – found on the Nicobar Islands, with a darker breast and more subdued colors.
P. a. kangeanensis – endemic to the Kangean Islands, similar to P. a. alexandri but smaller.
P. a. cala – found in Cambodia and Laos.
P. a. major – from Vietnam and Hainan, China, larger and with more vibrant coloring.
P. a. perionca – native to southern Thailand and northern Malaysia, with a bluish head and a paler breast.
P. a. dammermani – a subspecies with subtle differences found on the island of Sumba.

Care in Captivity

The Moustached Parakeet is a popular pet due to its vibrant coloring and playful personality. However, it requires specific care:

Housing: They need a large cage with ample space to climb and fly. They are also known for being chewers, so plenty of wooden toys and perches are recommended. Having comfortable beds is also key.
Diet: In captivity, they thrive on a diet of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and occasional treats like nuts.
Exercise: These birds are highly active and require daily out-of-cage time to exercise and socialize.
Socialization: While affectionate, Moustached Parakeets can become bored or destructive if left alone for too long. They benefit from regular interaction with their owners and mental stimulation.

Moustached Parakeet Lifespan

In captivity, Moustached Parakeets can live between 20 to 25 years with proper care, although some individuals have been known to live longer.

Common Health Issues in Moustached Parakeets

Like many parrot species, Moustached Parakeets are prone to health issues if not cared for properly. Some common problems include:

Obesity: If not given enough exercise or if fed an improper diet, they can become overweight.
Feather Plucking: This is often a result of stress, boredom, or poor nutrition.
Respiratory Issues: Like all parrots, they are sensitive to poor air quality, especially in environments with high dust, fumes, or smoke.
Beak and Feather Disease: This viral disease affects many parrots, including Moustached Parakeets, causing feather loss and beak deformities.

Personality and Temperament of the Moustached Parakeet

Moustached Parakeets are known for their lively and energetic personalities. They are intelligent birds that enjoy interacting with their human companions, often developing strong bonds with their owners. While they can be affectionate, they also have a streak of independence and may not always want to be cuddled. With proper socialization, they can be well-mannered pets, though some individuals can develop a tendency to nip if not trained properly.

Owning a Moustached Parakeet

The Moustached Parakeet is a visually striking and engaging bird, both in the wild and as a pet. While they can adapt well to different environments, they require attentive care, proper socialization, and a stimulating environment to thrive in captivity. With their bright plumage and distinct “moustache,” they are a favorite among bird enthusiasts worldwide.