By Rosemary Low
The Asiatic parakeets, all previously in the genus Psittacula, are elegant, long-tailed birds, with very fine feather quality. This gives a very smooth and perfect appearance. Of course, the best known member of the genus is the Indian Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri manillensis). The wealth of colour mutations which have been developed have put the other species in the shade. Some are now hard to find in aviculture and others have always been rare.
They are generally kept as aviary birds, not as companions, yet ironically, the species (except the Ringneck) which one might consider the most unsuitable in the home, is the one most often kept as a pet.
Most parakeets of the old world (Australia and Asia) do not have the friendly personality that makes their neotropical counterparts so popular with those who seek an endearing companion. There is one notable exception – the Alexandrine. Although it is seldom kept as a pet in Europe, in Asia and Australia young are hand-reared for this purpose.