Amaze-wing Facts About The Mustache Parakeet For Kids

Who can resist the allure of chatty parrots and their dazzling, colorful coats? Today's spotlight rests on the mustache parakeet, an absolute showstopper from the vibrant parrot family.

These lively charmers don't just win hearts with their personalities; they're also a visual treat! While some might call it the mustached parakeet, other popular names for this charismatic bird include the red-breasted parakeet or Java parakeet.

But no matter what name you choose to call it, there's no mistaking this Asiatic parrot's style and flair. So, get set to explore a world full of mustache parakeet wonders with these intriguing facts. These facts are not just delightful nuggets of knowledge but also perfect conversation starters for your next bird-watching adventure!

Mustache Parakeet Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a mustache parakeet?

The mustache parakeet, (also called "mustached parakeet", and spelled as "moustached parakeet/moustache parakeet" in the UK), is a medium-sized bird species belonging to the parrot family. Parrot is a broad classification given to colorful birds falling in the order Psittaciformes. At the same time, the parakeets are a smaller group of birds falling into the parrot family.

What class of animal does a mustache parakeet belong to?

Belonging to class Aves, the red-breasted parakeet (scientific name, Psittacula alexandri) belongs to the family Psittaculidae. Mustache parakeets have eight different subspecies, and these birds, like others in the class Aves, are warm-blooded and have specially adapted muscles for flight.

How many mustache parakeets are there in the world?

The exact number of mustache parakeets worldwide isn't known. However, scientists note that their numbers are decreasing. This decline is due to habitat loss, hunting, and capturing for pets. Especially in the Java islands, these parakeets are nearing extinction.

Where does a mustache parakeet live?

Mustache parakeets are primarily found in the south and southeast of Asia. Many live on small islands in Indonesia, while some are in the Andaman Islands. Another group can be found from Southeast Asia to the northeastern foothills of the Himalayas. Unfortunately, the wild bird trade threatens some of these island birds.

Wild groups of mustached parakeets have settled in cities like Mumbai and Singapore. You can also spot a few in Indian cities like Chennai and Bangalore. In these areas, they often live in mountains, woodlands, and hills.

What is a mustache parakeet's habitat?

These Asiatic parrots live in a variety of places, from forests and mangroves to farms and even areas where humans live.

Who do mustache parakeets live with?

Mustache parakeets are social birds, often found in wild groups of 10-50. They're generally quieter and less rowdy than Ringnecks, but some can be quite spirited. When kept as pets, they tend to bond closely with one family member, making them great companions for individual owners.

How long does a mustache parakeet live?

Mustache parakeets can live up to 25 years with the right care and nutrition. But be aware, they can get certain diseases like fungal infections, parrot fever, and pneumonia, which might affect their lifespan.

How do they reproduce?

Mustache parakeets typically breed in captivity. They're ready to mate between two and three years old.

It's often good to pair them up when they're young. During late winter, female parakeets actively seek out males for food, taking the lead in the courtship. In the wild, they usually breed from December to April, but this can change depending on the altitude and weather.

As spring begins, mustache parakeets lay their eggs. They prefer nesting in thick hollow logs.

Typically, they lay three to four eggs, which hatch after about 22 days. The young birds are ready to fly in 52 days and stay with their parents for nine months. After this, they can be independent, and the parents prepare for the next breeding season.

What is their conservation status?

The IUCN Red List classifies mustache parakeets as "Near Threatened". Their numbers are dropping, and they've disappeared from some of their natural habitats. This is why they're now in this concerning category.

Mustache Parakeet Fun Facts

What do mustache parakeets look like?

The mustache parakeet has black feathers above its beak that resemble a neat mustache. Males, females, and chicks of this species each have distinct looks.

Males sport green feathers and have long, slender tails. They boast a gray head with unique markings and a red bill. Their chest and upper abdomen are tinged with pink, and they have an orange beak with yellow tips. Their tails, which match their body size, flash hints of greenish-blue.

Female mustache parakeets have a blue face and a duller pink belly compared to males. Their tail feathers are shorter, and they also have gray heads but with a dark gray or black beak.

Baby mustache parakeets have shorter tails, light pink bills, and incomplete cheek stripes that easily distinguish them from older birds. Determining the sex of these birds can be a bit tricky, but breeders have found ways to tell young males from females.

Typically, young males have a flatter forehead, while females have a more arched head and a slightly darker blue face.

How cute are they?

The vibrant colors and their talking nature make these Asiatic parrots delightful and cute companions. The variation in their beaks is also an interesting factor about these parrot subspecies.

How do they communicate?

These birds talk to each other using different calls. They whistle and can mimic sounds, but they don't usually scream and screech like some other birds. Many pet owners therefore like them because they're quieter and calmer.

How big is a mustache parakeet?

The mustache parakeet measures 13-15 in (33-38.1 cm) in length. They are almost half the size of one of the largest parakeet species called the Alexandrine parakeet which measures 22-24 in (56-61 cm) in length.

How fast can a mustache parakeet fly?

The exact speed of the mustache parakeet is not studied at length yet. However, some scientific reports state that budgies in general can fly at two different speeds in open and closed environments.

When in the open, they can travel at almost 22.4 mph (36 kph) whereas, in closed environments like a cage, they will fly at a speed of 11.2 mph (18 kph).

How much does a mustache parakeet weigh?

The adult mustache parakeet weighs as much as 3.5-4.6 oz (100-130 g).

What are the male and female names of the species?

The male mustache parakeet is called a "cock", and people call the female mustache parakeet, "hen". Parakeets, in general, are also called budgies.

What would you call a baby mustache parakeet?

A baby mustache parakeet is called a chick. All juvenile moustached parakeets resemble their parents but are typically not as colorful.

What do they eat?

Wild moustached parakeets survive on food like seeds, grains, fruits, and nuts. In captivity, they can be given fruits and vegetables as food like kale, strawberries, melon, apple, collard greens, and bananas. Avocados need to be avoided as food as they are toxic to these birds.

Are they dangerous?

No, they are not dangerous to humans. However, proper hygiene and care are essential to avoid contracting infectious diseases that typically affect these birds because they can affect humans too.

Would they make good pets?

Mustache parakeets are smart, friendly, and playful, but they need early training to prevent aggressive behavior. These birds like spacious cages filled with toys and often do best when paired with a companion.

Did you know...

In Dutch, mustache parakeets are called "Alexanderparkiet", "Bartsittich" in German, and the French call them "Perruche à moustaches"

Mustache parakeets and Indian ringnecks are related, but they differ in personality. Mustache parakeets are calmer, quieter, and speak more clearly than ringnecks.

The mustache parakeet's scientific name comes from the Latin word "psittacus," which means "parrot." The name "alexandri" honors Alexander the Great, whose soldiers brought parakeets to Greece.

Can mustache parakeets talk?

These parrot species, like all, are chatterboxes and can talk at length. Male mustache parakeets are generally better at talking than females.

Do parakeets fall in love with each other?

Just like people, parakeets often display affection towards one another. While it's more common between male and female birds, many same-sex parakeets also form strong bonds and show similar signs. It's not always a sign of being in love.

Parakeets are social birds that thrive when paired with one another in the same cage. They often tap their beaks together as a sign of affection and approval, similar to a human handshake or smile. This "beak kiss" is a way to show that they see the other bird as family.

In the grand tapestry of the world's feathered friends, the mustache parakeet indeed stands out as a vibrant thread! Having them around not only adds color to life but also offers companionship.

However, like all pets, they require dedicated care and attention. If you're thinking about welcoming one into your family, remember to research and ensure you're allowed to do so legally, and can provide the nurturing environment they deserve. There's a whole world of joy waiting in the twinkle of their eyes and the melody of their chirps.