Layard's Parakeet

Females of blue tail parakeet on a pineapple

The blue tail Parakeet ( Psittacula calthropae ), also known as Blue -tailed Lovebird, is a species of parrot from the genus of precious parakeet (Psittacula ). It is native to Sri Lanka. The specific epithet honors Barbara Anne Calthrop, the first wife of the ornithologist Edgar Leopold Layard ( 1824-1900 ).

Features

The Blue Parakeet tail reaches a size 29 to 31 cm. In the male the upper beak is red with a yellow tip of the beak is dull brownish. The forehead and the area around the eyes to the lower mandible is pale green. The rest of the head is blue-gray with a black area on the chin and on the sides of the neck. A wide emerald green ribbon runs around the neck and on the bottom. Back, mantle and rump are blue-gray. The wings are dull green. The small wing-coverts are grayish, the middle are yellowish. The tail feathers are deep gray-blue with yellow tips. The female has a gray-black beak. In juvenile birds gray shades are replaced by a green coloring. Both upper and lower beak are orange with them.

Habitat

The habitat is wooded hills and clearings at elevations up to 2000 m. At sea level, it is observed only in the wet zone in the south-west of Sri Lanka.

Way of life

The main food of the blue parakeet tail consists of the fruits of Macaranga tanarius, wild figs and wild cinnamon. In addition, the flowers of papaya, buds and nectar enrich the food supply. In strictly wooded habitats, the food is less granivor. The breeding season is from January to May and often again from July to September. The nest is built, usually in 10 to 25 meters high in a hollow branch or in a tree hollow. Preferred nesting trees are Pterocarpus, Syzygium and Terminalia. There are laid two to four eggs. In captivity the incubation lasts about three weeks. After seven weeks, the young birds leave the nest. Blue tail parakeets are apparently resident birds. Occasionally seasonal migrations may occur.

Nomenclature

2003 Edward C. Dickinson changed the epithet notation calthropae because of the prevalent use in calthorpae. However, Edgar Leopold Layard certain clearly that the spelling calthropae dedicated to his first wife, is to be maintained. After the priority principle ( Principle of Priority) of the ICZN the spelling is correct and therefore calthropae Dickinson's spelling just an invalid synonym spelling.