Natural Breeding Habits
Breeding season is from November to April in their natural distribution range. Average clutch size is 2–4 eggs measuring 34.0 x 26.9 mm (1 x 1.3 in). The average incubation period is 28 days usually starting with the laying of the second egg. The chicks fledge around seven weeks of age. They are reared for about three weeks and are typically weaned between 12 to 16 weeks of age. They are critically endangered in Pakistan, especially in Punjab province. This is mostly due to loss of habitat (cutting of old tress), and excessive poaching of wild chicks. Although it their sale is officially banned in Pakistan, they can be found openly being sold in markets of Lahore. Trapping pressure to cater to the demands of the pet trade have caused a drastic decline in this species' wild population. It is illegal to trade in Alexandrine Parakeets in India and yet these birds are sold in broad daylight in urban bird markets, suggesting that the Indian government is allocating insufficient resources towards the protection of this species.
Read more about this topic: Alexandrine Parakeet
Famous quotes containing the words natural, breeding and/or habits:
“Each man too is a tyrant in tendency, because he would impose his idea on others; and their trick is their natural defence. Jesus would absorb the race; but Tom Paine or the coarsest blasphemer helps humanity by resisting this exuberance of power.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Courtesy is breeding. Breeding is an excellent thing. Always remember that.”
—Lillian Hellman (1905–1984)
“Varis Shah says habits don’t die even if we are cut into pieces.”
—Varis Shah (18th cent.)