Derbyan Parakeet

The Derbyan Parakeet (left), also known as Lord Derby's Parakeet, is a little similar to the Moustached Parakeet (Psittacula alexandri) on the right but is a separate species. They are closely related, as are the other "Psittacula" long-tailed parakeets, the Ring-necked/Rose-ringed and the Alexandrine.

Derbyans originate from China and Tibet. (The similar but more colourful Moustached Parakeets, also known as Red-breasted Parakeets, also come from the Himalayas and China as well as Indonesia).

Both male and female Derbyans have a large black moustache and a black line across the brow which makes them look as though they are frowning and ill-tempered.

The female (on the far left) has an all black beak and the male (near left) has a red upper beak tipped with orange.

Female Derbyan Parakeet with black beak

Male Derbyan Parakeet with red upper beak

Male Moustached Parakeet -- see below


The Moustached Parakeet, also called the Red-breasted Parakeet, (scientific name confusingly Psittacula alexandri although the related Alexandrine Parakeet is a different species) comes from Indonesia and the Himalayas/China, with feral populations in some Indian cities. There are several sub-species in different islands/regions. The nominate sub-species, shown above, from Java, is said to be close to extinction in the wild. The male has a red upper beak and the female (right) has an all black beak.


The Andaman Moustached Parakeet above, Psittacula alexandri abbotti, from the Andaman Islands, has slight variations in plumage. Another sub-species has a fully pink lower beak. The beak of the female (far right) is wholly black in most sub-species. The female also has slightly duller plumage and a slightly shorter tail.


The pencil-thin tail fans out in flight		The "frown"