
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Psittacula cyanocephala
A beautiful parakeet where males develop plum-colored heads. Gentle nature makes it easy among medium parrots. Prices typically run 50,000-100,000 yen in Japan.
The plum-headed parakeet is a parrot which is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent. It is a bird of forest and open woodland. The male has a distinctive plum-coloured head, while the female and juveniles have a grey-blue head. It is related to the Alexandrine parakeet and the rose-ringed parakeet, but is notably gentler in temperament. The species is listed on CITES Appendix II. Prices typically run 50,000-100,000 yen; with limited availability in Japan, reserving through a parrot specialty shop or breeder is the surest route. For a hand-tame bird, choose one hand-fed from a chick. Their call is a clear, flute-like note—far from the volume of large parrots and among the quieter mid-sized parakeets, making them apartment-friendly, though morning and evening contact calls are normal. Compared with relatives, they are a size smaller and quieter than the rose-ringed parakeet, and need less space than the Alexandrine parakeet. The red-breasted parakeet of the same genus has a gray-purple head and a large red bill, whereas the male plum-headed parakeet is distinguished by its plum-colored head and black collar.
The Plum-Headed Parakeet lives 15-20 years.
The Plum-Headed Parakeet grows to 33-37cm.
Origin
Indian subcontinent
Lifespan
15-20 years
Size
33-37cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Sources: Wikipedia (EN) Plum-headed parakeet
Calls / Song
Song · © Marc Anderson · xeno-canto XC809699 (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Call · © David Darrell-Lambert · xeno-canto XC980116 (CC BY-NC 4.0)
Sources: xeno-canto
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Psittacula cyanocephala (Linnaeus, 1766)
Synonyms: Himalayapsitta cyanocephala, Psittacus cyanocephalus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Psittacula cyanocephala. Order Psittaciformes is collectively listed in CITES Appendix II (excluding Appendix I species and 4 species exempted by notation). This species falls under that Appendix II application.
Sources: CITES Appendices (valid from 25.05.2024) / CITES Psittaciformes spp. Appendix II Annotation / CITES species page
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Humidity
40〜60%
Seeds, Pellets, Fruits
The male's head is a beautiful plum colour
Calm and rarely aggressive
Moderately vocal
Keeping a pair lets you enjoy the colour difference
A strong flier, so give it a large cage
Typically 50,000-100,000 yen in Japan. Scarce in the trade, so reserving through a parrot specialty shop or breeder is the surest route. For a hand-tame bird, choose one hand-fed from a chick.
A clear, flute-like call—among the quieter mid-sized parakeets. Apartment-friendly, though expect contact calls in the morning and evening.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Plum-Headed Parakeet is 15〜30℃. Recommended humidity is 40〜60%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Plum-Headed Parakeet is 15-20 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Plum-Headed Parakeet typically reaches 33-37cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Plum-Headed Parakeet feeds on: Seeds, Pellets, Fruits. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Plum-Headed Parakeet varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026