Bourke's Parakeet
One of the most peaceful and gentle of all Australian parakeets.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Australia
Lifespan
8–12 years
Weight
42–49 g
Height
19–23 cm
Diet
Herbivore/Granivore — small grass seeds, fresh greens, sprouted seeds, millets.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Psittaciformes
Family
Psittaculidae
Genus
Neopsephotus
The Story
One of the most peaceful and gentle of all Australian parakeets. Native to Australia's arid mulga scrubland. Crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk) — notably less active and noisy than other species during daytime. Often recommended as one of the most manageable pet parakeets. The rose mutation (vivid pink throughout) is highly prized in aviculture.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
Discover which pets match your lifestyle
Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Wild type: softly coloured brown-grey with pink wash on underparts, blue forehead and rump in males. The rose mutation is dramatically different — rich, uniform rose-pink throughout.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, quiet, and non-demanding. The opposite of boisterous conures and cockatoos. Most active and vocal at dawn and dusk. Can become tame with regular handling.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Flight cage minimum 90 × 45 × 60 cm. Pairs recommended. Fresh grass seeds, millet, sprouted seeds. Water bath appreciated. Simple, peaceful care.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Air sac mite occasionally. Generally very robust and disease-resistant.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
Bourke's Parakeets are named after Sir Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales (1831–1837).
Their crepuscular activity pattern is an adaptation to extreme Australian interior heat — most active at dawn and dusk avoids the hottest part of the day.
