Bird · GBIF taxon 8150689
Layard's Parakeet
Psittacula calthrapaeAlso known as Emerald-collared Parakeet, Layard's Parrot, Calthrop's Parakeet
Layard's parakeets sweep through the lush forest canopy of Sri Lanka in small, chatter-filled flocks, feeding on wild figs, blossoms, and nectar. Distinguishable by their bluish-grey mantle, emerald-green collar, and bright red upper mandible, these endemic parrots build nests high in natural tree hollows. Pairs remain together throughout the year, defending communal feeding sites and maintaining contact through sharp, rasping flight calls.
EndemicForest DwellerVibrant
Licensed referenceHafiz Issadeen / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Wild figs
- Tree buds
- Flower nectar
Predators
- Shikra
- Black eagle
- Arboreal snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation and occasional capture for the illegal pet trade
HabitatsTropical wet zone forests, hill country, forest edges, suburban gardens
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPsittacidae
- SpeciesPsittacula calthrapae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a strong bite if handled; observe quietly from a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Recognize this Sri Lankan endemic by its grey hood and mantle combined with an emerald collar.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a quiet distance around active cavity trees to avoid disrupting breeding pairs.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan flowering or fruiting canopy trees in wet-zone forests early in the morning.
- Listening: Identify them by their rasping, raucous chattering call, which differs from other parakeets.
- Binocular Distance: Keep a generous distance from nest cavity trees during the spring breeding season.
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Cristian Hurtado Cusnir, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cristian Hurtado Cusnir · cc-byClose Relative Close Relative
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