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1. Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Gira Malitta)
Scientific Name: Loriculus beryllinus (Forster, 1781) The Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, or Gira Malitta, is a small bird about the size of a sparrow. It is commonly found in the humid zones and mountain regions up to 1500 meters. Though it is present in the lowland dry areas surrounding the mountains, it is rare in the northern parts. With its bright green feathers, this parrot feeds on juicy fruits such as honey and mushrooms that collect in beehive pots, along with small seeds. Known for its unique habit of hanging upside down like a bat from tree branches, it is sometimes called the "bat parrot." It breeds during the first half of the year, with some instances of egg-laying in August to September. The parrot’s eggs are laid in tree hollows or branches.
Scientific Name: Psittacula calthropae (Blyth, 1849) Endemic to Sri Lanka, the Layard's Parakeet inhabits the forests up to 1750 meters in the mountains and surrounding lowland regions. This parakeet lives in pairs or small groups and is a fast flyer. It feeds on a variety of fruits, flowers, buds, and nectar. Known for its noisy nature, it is louder than the Mala Parrot and Worm Parrot. Breeding occurs between January and May, with another round of eggs often laid from July to September. The parakeet prefers to nest in tree hollows located high on tall trunks.
3. Rose-ringed Parakeet (Mala Girawa / Rana Girawa)
Scientific Name: Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) The Rose-ringed Parakeet is a common species found in Sri Lanka from the lowlands up to the foothills. These parrots are often seen flying in noisy flocks. They feed on fruits, flower buds, plant seeds, and occasionally fermented rice pods, which can harm rice crops. From November to June, they lay their eggs in decaying tree trunks and continue breeding during this period.
4. Alexandrine Parakeet (Labu Parrot)
Scientific Name: Psittacula eupatria (Linnaeus, 1766) The Alexandrine Parakeet is the largest parrot species in Sri Lanka, about the size of a neck-gray crow. It is known for its large red curved beak, red wing feathers, and the male's distinct black and red stripes on the neck. These birds are found alone, in pairs, or in flocks and produce a sharp, harsh call. They feed on fruits and grains, sometimes foraging on the ground for food.
5. Plum-headed Parakeet (Parakeet)
Scientific Name: Psittacula cyanocephala (Linnaeus, 1766) The Plum-headed Parakeet is a species of parrot native to the Indian subcontinent, previously referred to as the flower-headed parrot. These parrots live in flocks or pairs, with males having pinkish-purple heads and females sporting gray heads. There are two subspecies of this bird: one from the Indian subcontinent and another from the Himalayas.
