The Plum Headed Parakeet is the smallest species within its genus 'Psittacula'. Adults measure an average 13 inches (33 centimeters). This species is sexually dimorphic, meaning that males can be distinguished from females visually. The male has a striking plum colored head, for which it was named. The female's head is grey. The male also has dark red spots on his wings, and the female lacks these. Lastly, the male has an orange-yellow bill, while the female's bill is light yellow. Many of these differences, however, cannot be seen until they reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. Immatures can be distinguished from adults because they have green heads, shorter tails, and lighter colored bills. As they mature they begin to closely resemble the females. In captivity there are also some color mutations such as the Lutino. The male Lutino has yellow plumage throughout and a red head with white borders. The Lutino is a very attractive bird. The cause of this mutation appears to be a sex-linked gene. Other color mutations include the Greygreen, Cinnamon, Fallow, Yellow, Blue and Pied. All of the color mutations are genetic, though some are autosomal, whereas others are sex-linked; and some may be dominant, while others are recessive.
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PRESTON-BORN pole vault sensation Holly Bleasdale brought home the Bronze medal to conclude a superb weekend for Team GB at the World Indoor Athletics Championship in Istanbul. It capped off a fantastic week for the ... Continue reading
The Plum Headed Parakeet is the smallest species within its genus 'Psittacula'. Adults measure an average 13 inches (33 centimeters). This species is sexually dimorphic, meaning that males can be distinguished from females visually. The male has a striking plum colored head, for which it was named. The female's head is grey. The male also has dark red spots on his wings, and the female lacks these. Lastly, the male has an orange-yellow bill, while the female's bill is light yellow. Many of these differences, however, cannot be seen until they reach sexual maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. Immatures can be distinguished from adults because they have green heads, shorter tails, and lighter colored bills. As they mature they begin to closely resemble the females. In captivity there are also some color mutations such as the Lutino. The male Lutino has yellow plumage throughout and a red head with white borders. The Lutino is a very attractive bird. The cause of this mutation appears to be a sex-linked gene. Other color mutations include the Greygreen, Cinnamon, Fallow, Yellow, Blue and Pied. All of the color mutations are genetic, though some are autosomal, whereas others are sex-linked; and some may be dominant, while others are recessive.