The Alexandrine parakeets were once considered special birds. Alexander the Great is known to have exported these birds from Punjab to various European and Mediterranean regions and this earned these birds their name. Important people like princes, noblemen and warlords considered these birds to be a luxurious possession.
The Alexandrine parakeet is a large bird with a big bill. It is grass-green in colour. The male birds of the species have a maroon patch on the shoulders and a black-and-pink collar which distinguishes them from females. These birds are commonly seen in wooded areas and plantations, like city parks and gardens. They raid farms and orchards in large numbers, for fruits, vegetables and cereals, which constitute their favourite diet. These are shy birds and their young ones are frequently sold as pets in the bird markets.
These birds are commonly seen throughout India, except in the extreme south. Apart from India, Afghanistan and Southeast Asian countries also host a good number of these birds.