Derbyan Parakeet

The Derbyan parakeet, also known as Lord Derby’s parakeet, is a unique and beautiful species of parrot native to the hilly and mountainous terrains of India and Tibet, as well as the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces of China. Derbyan Parakeets often nest in tree cavities previously excavated by woodpeckers.

The Derbyan parakeet has a lilac breast and abdomen. The nape, back, and wings are emerald green with large yellow-green patches on the wings. Males are distinguished from females by their bright coral-red upper mandible, tipped in yellow.

Derbyan parakeets travel in flocks of about 40 to 60 birds, pairing off for the breeding season (April into June) and raising their chicks in tree hollows until they’re ready to leave the nest—a period of about eight to nine weeks following the chicks’ incubation period.

Their scientific name ‘derbiana’ commemorates Edward Stanley, 13th Earl of Derby. He was an eminent natural historian who maintained a menagerie in Knowsley Safari Park.