Princess Parrot
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| Polytelis alexandrae (Gould, 1863) |
The Princess Parrot or Alexandra's Parrot is an Australian bird of the parrot family Psittacidae. It is a medium sized parrot, 34 to 46 centimetres long (the males are larger). The plumage is mostly green with a pink throat, bluish crown and rump and bright green shoulders. The tail is long and narrow.
This species is nomadic, arriving in small groups to breed and then disappearing. It is one of Australia’s least known parakeets because it is so elusive, even though it is spread across the interior of Australia. It inhabits arid woodland and scrub with spinifex, eucalypts, acacias, etc. 4 to 6 rounded white eggs are laid in a hollow in a eucalypt or desert oak. They are becoming quite rare in the wild and their numbers seem to be dwindling. They feed on the seeds of grasses and shrubs. They are unusual among parrots in engaging in mobbing behaviour against predators.
The name "Princess Parakeet" was given in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who later married the Prince of Wales Edward VII and eventually became the Queen of England. Other names for the species include: Queen Alexandra Parrot (or Parakeet), Princess of Wales Parakeet, Rose-throated Parakeet and Spinifex Parrot.
[edit] In captivity
Princess Parrots are normally quiet birds and can be kept in an apartment. At times they can get a little noisy if not given enough attention. Their life span is thought to be as long as 30 years. Under the right circumstances they are able to bond to more than one member of the family. They are a favourite among many aviculturists and pet owners because of their looks and personality.
There are three common color mutations of this parakeet. These colours are Lutino, Albino, and Blue. The natural, or 'normal' color is green. The standard green birds have olive-colored feathers all over their bodies, and their wings have bright green bands on them. Their faces are multi-colored with pastel-blue washed foreheads and pink cheeks. Their necks and upper-chests are also rose colored making them very stunning. The difference between males and females is that the males have longer tail feathers and brighter coloring than females. The male also has a coral-red beak, while the female's is a kind of wine-color. Another difference is that the male has an orange iris, while the female's is much browner.
Unfortunately like other parakeets they can get scaly face mites from time to time. They are also vulnerable to intestinal worms and coccidiosis when living in the wild or a dirt floor aviary.
Overall, as pets they are delightful companions and they can become very good talkers. Some have a large vocabulary and even seem to be talking in context.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Polytelis alexandrae. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 05 May 2006. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is near threatened
