Juliet, the Mustache Keet (Psittacula Alexandri Alexandri)

Hi! My name is Juliet. Was I surprised to be selected as the ABC Bird of the month for December 2003! I am a Mustache "Keet" ( common name). My scientific name is: Psittacula Alexandri Alexandri. What a beak full to pronounce! I come from the South Pacific areas of Java, Bali and Indonesia. If I am well taken care of I can live as long as 22 years.

I am intelligent and outgoing and mutter in a rather gravelly, gargling kind of voice. I am related to the Ringnecks, but personally, I think I have a much better personality: I think am more mellow and laid back and not too loud, though I've been accused of feisty behavior. I like to eat. If you pass it by me, I will probably eat it at least once. I love to sample stuff that other birds might pass on.

I can talk rather clearly. Some think I can talk almost as well as an African Grey, but I usually don't say much unless I think it's important. It all depends upon how often I am handled on a regular basis-I can resort to being an untamed "wild child" if I am completely ignored. Then, but not all the time, I can be opinionated and sometimes stubborn.

I have no know related illnesses, but when kept by myself I need lots of companionship and lots of chew toys to keep me happy. I mature somewhere between 2 to 3 years. The breeders band on my leg says I was born in Arizona in 1990. Mustache "Keets" like to breed during the months of December and April, depending on weather and location, and I breed well in captivity.

Well, that's all that I can remember, but I hope to see you at the December meeting. Bring a graham cracker for me-I like to soak them in my water dish before I eat them. Actually, I dip just about everything I eat in water.

Au Revoir! Juliet.