Splendid Grass Parakeet
The Splendid Grass Parakeet, also known as the Splendid Parrot or the Scarlet-breasted Parakeet, is a small and colorful parrot that is native to the savannah woodlands and grasslands of central and western Australia.
The Splendid Grass Parakeet is approximately 30 cm (12 in) in length, including its long tail. It has a predominantly green plumage with a bright red breast, throat, and forehead. The bird’s head is blue, and it has a yellowish-green belly. The female is similar in appearance to the male, but with a duller red breast.
These parakeets are highly social birds that live in flocks of up to 20 individuals. They are active and curious, and they enjoy playing and exploring their environment. They feed mainly on grass seeds, but also eat fruits, nuts, and insects.
In captivity, the Splendid Grass Parakeet can make a charming and entertaining pet. However, they require a spacious and well-equipped cage, as well as a varied diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of toys and perches to keep them stimulated. They are also intelligent birds that can be trained to perform simple tricks and mimic sounds.
Scientific Name: Noephema splendida
Origin: Australia
This parakeet is peaceful and tolerant even during the breeding season and may safely be housed with Bourke’s Parakeet and/or the cockatiel, although it is keener to breed if kept on its own. It is much sought for its beautiful colors.
Description:
Size: 23 cm (9 in)
COCK:
Head: Deep blue. Upper parts: green. Stomach: yellow. Chest: red. Wings: green With blue and black feathers. Tail: green with black and yellow feathers. Eyes: brown. Legs: blackish-brown. Beak: black.
HEN:
No blue on the head or red on the chest. Under-side: olive green, and brown above.
Diet: (Seedeater)
Plain canary seed, mixed millets, sunflower seed, and oats form the basic diet. Green food and apple are appreciated. A spacious aviary with a dry, frost-proof shelter should be provided, with protection from harsh winds.
Breeding:
Large boxes, slightly deeper than those liked by budgerigars, should be placed in the quarters. Pairs are usually quite eager to go to the nest.
A clutch of eggs may number up to seven. The incubation period is 19 days and both parents share in sitting and rearing. When the young fledge they resemble the hen. Young cock birds’ smut sprouts a few red feathers around the base of the neck and some blue on the head. Two rounds of eggs per breeding season are acceptable.
Splendid Grass Parakeet Information
- Though rarely found in the USA mutations or other sub-species of the bird can be found in various parts of the world. The bird can be available in various colors including pastel, cinnamon, sea green, fallow, lutino, albino, pied, silver, blue, white-breasted blue, and red-billed forms. Although the species of birds of the above-mentioned colors are expensive the brilliance of the colored plumage of these birds is of not match the original bird breed.
- The specie is hardy and can be ideal for novice bird breeders. The bird thrives well under a considerable range of temperatures. But it gets affected under prolonged seasons of dampness.
- The bird is peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful birds in an aviary. Though the male birds become a bit aggressive and territorial their fights are nothing fatal as such.
- The birds are devoid of the ability to talk.
- The size of the aviary where the birds would be kept must be spacious and roomy. The birds enjoy a great deal of flying in large aviaries.
- The bird is perfect as a pet for those who are not tolerant of nosy birds. The male bird can not sing but can produce sounds that are melodious to hear.
- You may provide nest boxes of size 12 x 10 inches to help the pair to build their nesting place. The female is generally a tight sitter while the male may not be an active participant in incubation.
During the rearing of the young chicks, the male comes back to the nest from time to time to feed the chicks and the hen.
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