The Blue-winged parakeet, also known as the Malabar parakeet (Psittacula columboides), is a visually striking bird native to the Western Ghats of southwestern India. These parakeets are predominantly green with a distinctive blue crown and wings, adding to their regal appearance. They are often found in moist evergreen forests, wooded valleys, and human-modified habitats like plantations and gardens throughout their range from southern Maharashtra to Kerala.

Blue-winged parakeets are social birds that typically form small flocks or pairs. They exhibit acrobatic flight patterns and communicate with distinct calls that resonate through the forest canopy. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, buds, flowers, and occasional insects, which they forage both in trees and on the ground.

During the breeding season from December to April, Blue-winged parakeets nest in tree cavities or crevices. The female lays a clutch of eggs, and both parents share responsibilities in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks until they fledge. Despite their adaptability, these parakeets face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and human activities, leading to their classification as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts aim to preserve their remaining habitat and raise awareness about their ecological significance in the Western Ghats’ biodiversity.