🦜 Evolutionary History of Indian Parakeets (Psittaculla)
India is home to 11 stunning species of parakeets—green, long-tailed, seed-eating birds that brighten forests, farms, and even urban skies. These belong to the genus Psittacula, under the larger order Psittaciformes, which includes more than 350 species of parrots worldwide. The order is divided into three superfamilies: Psittacidae – the “true” parrots Cacatuidae – cockatoos Strigopoidae – New Zealand parrots Within India, Psittacula species show striking similarities—slender green bodies and long tails—but also fascinating differences. Some, like the plum-headed, blossom-headed, and slaty-headed parakeets, carry vivid head colors, while others such as the Indian ringneck, Malabar parakeet, and Alexandrine parakeet feature the iconic dark neck ring. ...