Alex is our Alexanderine Parrot who lives instore with us.
The Alexandrine Parrot is named after Alexander the Great, who is credited with the exporting of numerous specimens of this bird from the Persian Region into Europe and the Mediterranean, where they were considered prized possessions for the nobles and royalty.
The species name eupatria is said to originate from Latin, where it translates into ‘of noble fatherland’ or ‘of noble ancestry’.
They are an all green bird, with a big red-ish beak, and a small maroon patch on the shoulder. They are known to be a cousin-bird to the Indian Ringneck, which is a slighter smaller bird. They have beautiful LONG tails and a large wingspan. The Boys have the grey/black ring around their neck (likes Alex does) and the girls do not!
Alex is an active bird, adventurous and curious. He likes water; especially baths and being sprayed with a spritzer in the summer. He loves a variety of foods, but apple and peanuts are his favourite as well as his usual parrot seed mix!! Alexandrines, due to their curious natures, are avid chewers and if we let him out and about he always manages to find a pen to chew. Otherwise in his cage he has a selection of toys to play with and chew. It’s not surprising to find him staring at himself in the mirror either!!
Currently (2014) Alex is around 17 years old, but his species is known to live for up to 40 years in captivity, and we have had him since he was just a baby!!! Alexandrines’ are also known to be good mimics, and when he was younger, he picked up some phrases pretty quickly. He will generally say “Hello” and “What are you doing” but has been known to call “MUUUUUUMMM” and when he goes home on holiday he calls the dog. He’s a bit of a ladies man, and if you get him on your shoulder its hard to get him off, he loves kisses, and even makes the noises!!
So come on down, check us out and give Alex a quick Hello.