Derbyan Parakeet
Psittacula derbiana
A large, long-tailed parakeet with soft grey-blue body plumage, green wings, and a bright coral-red bill.
- Feather type
- Long, pointed flight feathers and elongated central tail feathers
- Colours
- Grey-blue body, green wings, and a red bill
- Bird size
- Medium-large, ~50 cm including tail
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Overview
Overview
The Derbyan Parakeet is a large member of the Psittacula group, distinguished by its unusual grey-blue body coloring rather than the brighter greens typical of many related parakeets. It inhabits montane forest in a limited part of southwestern China and adjacent regions.
- Long central tail feathers typical of Psittacula parakeets
- Grey-blue body coloring is unusual within its genus
- Found at higher elevations than many related species
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
Derbyan Parakeet feathers combine muted grey-blue body coloring with brighter green wing feathers, a distinctive contrast.
- Body feathers: soft grey-blue overall, notably muted compared to the bright greens of related parakeets
- Wing feathers: green, providing clear contrast against the grey-blue body
- Head feathers: grey-blue with a black chin stripe present in males
- Tail feathers: long, central feathers elongated and tapering, tipped with a paler edge
- Compared to similar species: most other Psittacula parakeets show predominantly green body plumage, so the grey-blue body combined with green wings is a strong distinguishing feature for this species
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Males show a black chin stripe and slightly deeper coloring, while females have a less defined chin marking. Juveniles are duller overall, with body color taking time to develop the adult grey-blue tone.
- Some sexual dimorphism, primarily in chin stripe definition
- Juvenile plumage is duller and greener before maturing to the adult grey-blue tone
- Molt gradually develops the elongated central tail feathers over successive cycles
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Restricted to montane forest in southwestern China, with some presence in adjacent parts of northeastern India and northern Myanmar.
- Found at higher elevations than many lowland Psittacula parakeets
- Largely non-migratory, though some local elevational movement may occur seasonally
- Occupies a relatively limited and fragmented range compared to widespread relatives
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
Derbyan Parakeets are typically seen in pairs or small flocks, foraging in forest canopy and moving between feeding sites.
- Diet: seeds, fruits, and nuts gathered from canopy trees
- Nesting: nests in tree cavities within montane forest
- Voice: loud, harsh calls given in flight, similar in tone to other large Psittacula parakeets
- Field notes: the unusually grey-blue body plumage combined with a bright coral-red bill helps separate this species from the more uniformly green parakeets found at lower elevations nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Derbyan Parakeet's plumage unusual?
It has soft grey-blue body plumage rather than the bright green typical of most related *Psittacula* parakeets, paired with green wings.
Where is the Derbyan Parakeet found?
It is restricted to montane forest in southwestern China, with some range extending into northeastern India and northern Myanmar.
How can males and females be told apart?
Males show a more defined black chin stripe, while females have a less distinct chin marking.
What feather feature is typical of Psittacula parakeets like this one?
Long, elongated central tail feathers are typical of the genus, and the Derbyan Parakeet shares this tapering tail shape.
Derbyan Parakeet guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Derbyan Parakeet.
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