Bourke's parrot, also known as the blue-vented parrot, sundown parrot, pink-bellied parrot, Bourke's parakeet, Bourke or "Bourkie", is a small parrot found in Australia and the only species in its genus, Neopsephotus. It is approximately 19 cm long and weighs around 45 grams. It is named after General Sir Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales from 1831 to 1837.
Region
Australian Outback
Typical Environment
Occurs across the arid and semi-arid interior of Australia, favoring open acacia (mulga) and eucalypt woodlands, chenopod shrublands, and spinifex grasslands. It frequents edges of scrub, lightly timbered country, and pastoral lands with scattered trees. Birds are often near ephemeral waterholes but can range widely after rain. They roost communally in shrubs or small trees and forage mostly on the ground in open areas.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Bourke's parrot is the sole member of its genus and is adapted to Australia’s arid interior, often being most active at dawn and dusk. It is quieter and more placid than many parrots, which is why it is popular in aviculture. The species was named after General Sir Richard Bourke, a former Governor of New South Wales.
Pair of wild Bourke's parrots, SW Queensland, Australia.
Pair of Bourke's parrots from John Gould's The Birds of Australia.
Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Temperament
gentle and social
Flight Pattern
fast direct flight with short rapid wingbeats, often low over the ground
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, forming larger flocks around water in dry periods. Largely monogamous; nests in tree hollows, often in acacia or eucalypt near open foraging areas. Roosts communally and shows crepuscular activity peaks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched tinkling and twittering calls, much quieter than many parrots. Contact calls are gentle chirps; during flight it gives thin, melodious notes.
Plumage
Soft brown-grey overall with a pink-washed belly and chest, blue rump/vent and shoulder highlights, and long tapering tail. Feathers are fine-textured and subtly scalloped on the back. Males typically show brighter blue on the forehead and shoulders.
Diet
Primarily seeds of native grasses and herbs, including spinifex and other arid-zone plants. Also takes seeds from chenopods and occasionally flowers, buds, and spilled agricultural grain. Forages mostly on the ground, picking seeds from soil and low vegetation. Drinks quickly at waterholes, often shortly after dawn or before dusk.
Preferred Environment
Open ground beneath shrubs and scattered trees, along tracks, clearings, and the edges of scrub. Frequently near ephemeral water sources and in lightly grazed pastoral country.
