Sri Lanka is home to a diverse variety of parrot species. Some of the parrots found in Sri Lanka include:
Alexandrine Parakeet
The Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) is a large parakeet species that is mostly green with a blue-grey sheen on the cheeks and nape. The abdomen is yellowish-green and the upperside of the tail ranges from blue to green. They have a black stripe that runs from the top of the beak, through the eyes, and connects at the nape. Alexandrine Parakeets are very social and noisy birds that usually travel in flocks. They mainly feed on grains, seeds, fruits, berries, nuts, and insects. In Sri Lanka, these parakeets are found in forested areas across the island up to elevations of 1600 m.
Rose-Ringed Parakeet
The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), also known as the ring-necked parakeet, is a gregarious tropical Afro-Asian parakeet species that has an extremely large range. In Sri Lanka, it is resident all over the island including in urban areas. The adult male sports a red or black neck ring and the hen and immature birds have a plain neck. These bright green parakeets have a distinctive long tail and a distinctive rose-pink ring around their neck. Rose-ringed Parakeets feed on buds, fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, and seeds. They are highly adaptable and have become an invasive species in many countries.
Layard’s Parakeet
Layard’s Parakeet (Psittacula calthorpae), also known as the Blossom-headed Parakeet, is a parrot endemic to Sri Lanka. It is characterized by its small size, short tail, arose-pink head, and green body. The back and rump are bluish-green and the lower abdomen is yellowish-green. Layard’s Parakeets are typically found in wooded areas and lowland forests up to an elevation of 600 m. Their loud, high-pitched calls often reveal their presence. They mostly feed on fruits, berries, seeds, flower buds, and sometimes insects. Layard’s Parakeets build nests in tree hollows.
Plum-headed Parakeet
The Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) is a small, slender parakeet endemic to Sri Lanka and parts of India. True to its name, adults have a striking cherry-red colored head which makes them easy to identify. Plum-headed Parakeets have bluish upperparts and breast contrasting with their yellowish underparts. Their long pointed tail is blue. They are usually found in forests and wooded areas up to elevations of 1800 m. Plum-headed Parakeets are excellent climbers and mainly feed on fruits, seeds, berries, flowers, and buds.
Malabar Parakeet
The Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides) is a small parrot with green upperparts, bluish crown and nape, rose-pink lower breast and belly, and a mostly yellow tail. As the name suggests, it is endemic to the forests of the Malabar coast of India and parts of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, it is found in the dry and intermediate zones. It has a swift flight and feeds on fruits of various forest trees but also visits cultivated orchards for mangoes, guavas, and figs.
Slaty-headed Parakeet
The Slaty-headed Parakeet (Psittacula himalayana) is a medium-sized parakeet with a slate colored head found in the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Sri Lanka up to elevations of 1800 m. The body is green and the tail is bluish. Males have a black stripe extending from the lower mandible, through the eye region and diffusing into the slate gray crown. Females lack this stripe. Slaty-headed Parakeet inhabits forests and nearby cultivation. It feeds on fruits, seeds, berries, nuts, buds, and occasionally insects.
Habitats of Parrots in Sri Lanka
Parrots in Sri Lanka mainly inhabit forested areas including lowland rainforests, mountain forests, wooded habitats, forest edges, gardens, and agricultural areas. The key habitats of parrots found in the country are:
Lowland Rainforests
These evergreen tropical forests receive high rainfall throughout the year and occur up to elevations of 1000 m. Lowland rainforests host parrot species like the Alexandrine Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Layard’s Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet and Malabar Parakeet. The abundance of fruit trees and dense vegetation provides them ideal foraging and nesting conditions.
Mountain Forests
Located above 1000 m, the mountain forests or cloud forests have a cool climate and are home to unique birdlife. Parrots found here include Alexandrine Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, and Slaty-headed Parakeet that inhabit the canopy and mid-storey levels. The forests have many endemic bird species thanks to the isolation caused by elevation.
Forest Edges
Transition zones between forests and open habitats like grasslands or human settlements are called forest edges. They often have higher densities of food, nesting, and roosting resources attracting parrots like the Rose-ringed Parakeet which breed well in proximity to humans.
Gardens and Cultivation
Some parakeets have adapted well to live close to human settlements. Gardens in towns, villages, and agricultural areas provide them with food and nesting opportunities. Rose-ringed Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, and Alexandrine Parakeet frequently visit such areas.
Mangroves
Mangrove forests along the coasts are unique, salt-tolerant wetlands rich in biodiversity. Mangroves contain certain food plants that draw parrots like the Rose-ringed Parakeet which is frequently seen foraging in these areas. They provide roosting and nesting sites for some parrots.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Parrots in Sri Lanka are primarily vegetarian and exhibit specialized feeding habits adapted to their habitats. Their diets can be classified as:
Frugivorous
Most parrots found in Sri Lanka rely extensively on fruits of forest trees like mangos, figs, and berries for nutrition. Plum-headed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, and Layard’s Parakeet have a predominantly frugivorous diet.
Granivorous
Parrots like the Rose-ringed Parakeet and Alexandrine Parakeet supplement their diets with seeds of grasses, grains, and vegetables. This adaptation allows them to utilize agricultural areas.
Nectarivorous
Specialization by species like the Plum-headed Parakeet to feed on nectar from flowers of forest trees and plants. They play a role in pollination like hummingbirds.
Insectivorous
Some parakeets opportunistically feed on insects though it constitutes a small portion of their overall diet. Insect protein is essential during the breeding season for growing chicks.
Breeding and Nesting
Parrots in Sri Lanka have unique breeding behaviors and nesting habits:
Breeding Season
The breeding season is mainly from December to April which coincides with optimal fruit and seed availability. This improves feeding conditions for rearing young. The rose-ringed parakeet can however breed almost year-round.
Courtship
Parrots engage in elaborate courtship rituals to attract mates and strengthen pair bonds. Displays include bobbing, regurgitating food, vocalizations, feather presentations, and mate feeding.
Nest Sites
Tree cavities are the preferred nest sites for most parrot species. Layard’s parakeet nests in abandoned woodpecker holes while rose-ringed parakeets often nest in palm trees. The slaty-headed parakeet nests in crevices between boulders.
Clutch Size
The clutch size is typically 2 to 4 white eggs which are incubated by the female for 22 to 25 days until hatching. Both parents feed and take care of the young.
Fledging
Chicks fledge and leave the nest at 5 to 7 weeks of age. However, they continue to be dependent on their parents for food and protection for a few more weeks as they learn to forage and fly skillfully.
Population Status and Threats
Many parrot species in Sri Lanka are threatened by habitat loss, capture, and trade:
Vulnerable Species
Layard’s Parakeet and Malabar Parakeet are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ with declining populations due to deforestation and capture for pet trade. Loss of old nesting trees also affects their breeding success.
Abundant Species
Rose-ringed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, and Plum-headed Parakeet remain relatively abundant and adaptable to landscapes altered by humans. Their populations are currently stable.
Habitat Loss
Widespread deforestation for development, agriculture, logging, and plantations poses a major threat to forest-dwelling parrot species in Sri Lanka. For example, only about 2% of Sri Lanka’s lowland rainforests remain.
Capture and Trade
The pet trade targets certain parrot species leading to many young birds and eggs being removed illegally from the wild for domestic and international trade.
Conservation Efforts
Key measures needed to protect Sri Lanka’s parrots include habitat protection, nest-site management, limiting trade, captive breeding programs, and education about their ecological roles. Community involvement is vital for the long-term survival of parrots.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka hosts a diverse range of parrot species in habitats ranging from rainforests to urban gardens. The key species include Alexandrine Parakeet, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Layard’s Parakeet, Plum-headed Parakeet, Malabar Parakeet and Slaty-headed Parakeet. While a few species have adapted to live close to humans, many are threatened by deforestation and illegal capture. Targeted conservation strategies that protect forests, nesting resources and limit poaching and unsustainable trade are crucial for the continued survival of Sri Lanka’s exceptional and beautiful parrots. The persistence of these intelligent birds and their unique behaviors and ecology depends on more sustainable practices and community stewardship.