Funky Bird Cages

Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves, characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweight skeleton.

Red Rump Parakeet

Red Rump Parakeet

Red Rump ParakeetThe Red-rumped Parakeet, also known as the Red-backed Parakeet, is a small parrot species that belongs to the family Psittacidae. It is native to South America, particularly in the grasslands and woodlands of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Here are some interesting facts about the Red-rumped Parakeet:

  • The male Red-rumped Parakeet has bright emerald green plumage on its wings, head, and upper parts. Its lower back and rump are bright red, which is where it gets its common name. The female has a more subdued coloration, with a green back and rump.
  • They measure around 10 inches (25 cm) in length and weigh around 1.8 to 2.4 ounces (50 to 70 grams).
  • Red-rumped Parakeets are social birds and are often seen in small flocks or pairs.
  • They are primarily seed eaters, but also eat fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
  • Red-rumped Parakeets are popular in aviculture and are commonly kept as pets due to their colorful plumage and playful personalities.
  • They are known for their ability to mimic sounds and words, and some individuals can even develop a vocabulary of several dozen words.
  • They are cavity nesters, and they prefer to nest in hollow trees or nest boxes.
  • The Red-rumped Parakeet is not considered endangered, but habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization are potential threats to their populations.

Scientific Name: Psephotiis haematonotus

Origin: Australia

This is one of the most popular species of Australian parakeets because it is hardy and simple to feed, and therefore easy to keep. Breeding results are normally good. However, take great care when attempting to keep this specie with other birds, as it can be very spiteful. If in doubt, keep a pair alone. In any case, it is best to have only one pair in a mixed collection.

Description:

Size: 28 cm (11 in)

Cock:

Body: varying shades of green. Stomach: yellow. Wings: edged with dark blue. Rump: red. Beak: black. Legs: grey.

Hen:

Does not have the red rump and is less distinctive in color. Beak: grey.

Diet: (Seedeater)

Plain canary seed, mixed millets, sunflower, hemp (if available), groats, and oats form the basic diet. This specie enjoys green food and loves apples. 

A spacious aviary is required with a dry, frost, and damp-proof shelter for bad weather. Plenty of wing exercise is important.

Breeding:

Red Rump ParakeetFor those fanciers inexperienced in breeding birds, the Red-humped Parakeet is a good choice, as pairs require the minimum supervision. A pair nests very readily if a large nest box is provided. Rotting wood should be placed in the base to a depth of 10 cm (4 in). A normal clutch of eggs numbers between four and seven. The incubation period is 21 days with the hen sitting alone. The parents rear their young with very few additions to the normal diet, but try to provide soaked and sprouted seeds. The young fledge in one month and may be left with the parents for a further two or three weeks until the hen begins another round. They should be removed at the first sign of this, or the cock may attack the fledglings.

Red Rump Parakeet Information

  • The bird has been able to adapt well to the environments of human settlement. They are often seen on rooftops of farmhouses and along with domestic hens. They are also often seen perched on roadsides.
  • Even in the wild, the bird may interbreed with other bird species like starlings and sparrows.
  • The birds are not accounted as pests like other birds. They do not cause any damage to wheat fields. The birds are often provided by farmers with nest boxes where they can build their nests and lay eggs.
  • The bird mainly feeds on seeds of grass, poppies, chickweeds, millets, and flaxes.
  • For proper digestion, you may provide the birds with bits of charcoal and sand in the aviary.
  • At night the birds split into small groups and roost in tree branches.
  • The birds generally nest in tree holes or old sparrow nests or the nests of bee-eating birds.
  • Only the hen roosts on the eggs until all the chicks are fully fledged. In the initial stages,, the cock stays near the nest and safeguards it. Later, the male joins the flock but returns to the nest at regular intervals to feed the hen and the chicks.

Overall, the Red-rumped Parakeet is a beautiful and interesting bird that has become popular in aviculture due to its striking appearance and ability to mimic sounds. The bird is mainly found in the southeastern part of Australia.

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