Bourke's Parrot
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Bourke's Parrot | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||||||||||||||||
| Conservation status | ||||||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||||
| Neopsephotus bourkii (Gould, 1841) |
The Bourke's Parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii, formerly known as Neophema bourkii), also known as the Bourke's Parakeet or "Bourkie", is a small parrot originating in Australia and the only species in its genus Neopsephotus. This species is sometimes placed in the genus Neophema and there is an ongoing discussion about the proper taxonomic placement of this species. It is a grass parrot approximately 19 cm long and weighing around 35 grams.
Wildtype (natural coloured) Bourke's Parakeet display a basically brown overall colouration with pink abdomen, pinkish breast & a blue rump. The legs are dark-brown, with zygodactyl toes. The bill is yellowish-brown. Adult males have blue brows while adult hens have white brows.
This bird is named after General Sir Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales from 1831 to 1837.
The Bourke's Parrot has a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs, which are incubated by the female for 18-19 days, with the chicks fledging at about 4 weeks of age. The female also feeds and tends to the chicks by herself. While the female Bourke's Parrot is incubating the eggs, and also while she is feeding the chicks in the nest, she is fed by the male Bourke's Parrot.[1]
Bourke's Parakeets are quite robust birds and a popular choice for beginner bird breeders. These parakeets are usually most active at dawn and dusk and if they are kept in an aviary, these are the times they usually fly. During the rest of the day Bourke's Parakeets are largely inactive. When compared to other parrot breeds, the Bourke's is docile and can be housed comfortably in a planted aviary. When kept as an indoor pet, a single, hand fed bird is recommended by breeders. As pets they are considered tender and quiet, this means they are ideal for small apartment homes. Their calls are typically only heard when they fly in the wild, and are often described as a melodic soft tinkling. They may also give a sharp high-pitched alarm call if they are startled, and some may twitter cutely when they eat. The Bourke's Parakeet is not as active as many birds, and to some this may be a drawback, but if you are looking for a fairly inactive parrot with a sweet and gentle disposition this may be the perfect bird for you. The average lifespan of this parakeet is 8 to15 years.
The Bourke's Parakeet is quite distinct in that its primary plumage is not green. Instead they range from grey to a beautiful sunset pink. It is the only member of its genus (Neophema) that lacks green primary plumage. They are relatively small, measuring approximately 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) in length, though females tend to be smaller than males. The average adult will weigh between 42 and 49 grams. In addition to the size differences, males may also be distinguished from females, because the males have blue feathers above the nares. This may be present in females, but it is generally much duller. They are mainly grey, pink, and blue, and females are duller than males and they have a white wing stripe. Immature individuals will have duller coloration than the adults and they lack the blue frontal band. Adult plumage is usually reached by 8 or 9 months of age. In addition to the wild type, also called "normal," there are several color variations. Some of the most popular are the Rosy (also called Rosa), Yellow (also called the Cream) and the Pink Bourke. Bourke's have large eyes, and this may be an adaptation to the fact that they are most active when the sun is not as high.
The Bourke's Parakeet is native to Australia and is seen throughout the central and southern interior regions. There have also been reports of sightings in the western regions as well. They generally prefer open habitats of arid or semi-arid scrublands, and are seen in pairs or small group usually no larger than 10 to 30 individuals. Though their populations are increasing due to conservation efforts, these birds are still protected in Australia. The Bourke's Parakeet has a long history and was first bred in captivity in 1877. Their name is derived from that of Sir Richard Bourke, who was the governor of New South Wales from 1831 to 1837.
[edit] References
- ^ "Field Guide to Australian Birds", Morcombe, Michael, Steve Parish Publishing, Australia, 2000 ISBN 1 876282 10 X
- BirdLife International (2004). Neopsephotus bourkii. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
2. http://www.centralpets.com/animals/birds/parrots/prt6018.html
