Bourke's Parrot

Is Bourke's parrot right for you?

Bourke's parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii) is a small grass parakeet from the arid interior of Australia, with soft pink-and-blue plumage. It's known as one of the quietest and calmest parrot species: it doesn't scream, rarely bites, and tends to be somewhat shy. Another defining trait is that it becomes most active at dusk and dawn; while most parrots are busiest in daytime, Bourke's prefers to rest through the hot midday hours.

Its quiet, calm nature makes it stand out for anyone looking for an "apartment-friendly parrot" — but remember, it's still a social bird that needs daily attention.

Before you adopt

Important: the number of vets who treat birds is limited in many places. Check whether there's a clinic near you that sees parrots before bringing one home.

• Sensitive to sudden temperature swings. It prefers a moderate, stable environment; sudden chilling or overheating causes stress.
• Don't mistake its quietness for needing less attention. Making little noise doesn't mean it wants little interaction; daily engagement and enrichment are still required.
• A healthy bird has bright eyes, smooth feathers, is active, and has a clean vent.
• Ask whether the bird is hand-raised; hand-raised individuals adapt to people far more easily.

Character and social needs

Bourke's parrot's best-known trait is its dusk behaviour: native to Australia's hot interior, it rests through the hottest hours and becomes active to feed at sunset and dawn. This tendency doesn't disappear entirely in pet birds, which may be livelier in the early morning and evening.

Temperamentally it is markedly calmer and more passive than many other parrot species, and can live peacefully alongside finches, doves, and other small parakeets — a fairly uncommon trait among parrots.

Its shy nature means earning its trust can take time, but once settled it enjoys perching on your hand and gentle touch. Screaming is almost unheard of in this species, making it a good choice for households with nearby neighbours who are sensitive to noise.

Cage and living space

• Size: a spacious cage that allows long horizontal flights; this species prefers straight-line flying over short hops.
• Temperature: prefers a mild, stable environment; protect it from sudden temperature drops and draughts.
• Perches and toys: offer chewable natural wood perches and toys; it enjoys bathing, so provide a shallow dish or misting regularly.
• Position: a calm corner away from noise; its shy nature can make it stressed in a constantly busy area.
• Free flight: short daily supervised flight time in a safe, closed room is beneficial, with windows closed and mirrors covered.

Feeding

• Pellet-seed balance: Bourke's parrots fed only seed are at high risk of fatty liver disease; a gradual shift to a pellet-based diet is recommended.
• Fresh vegetables and greens: carrot, broccoli, leafy greens, courgette offered daily.
• Fruit: small amounts, limited because of sugar content.
• Calcium: a cuttlebone should always be in the cage.
• Water: changed fresh every day.

Toxic items: avocado (lethal), chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, salt, onion, garlic, apple pips.

Household hazards: overheated non-stick coatings (PTFE fumes), cigarette smoke, aerosol sprays, incense.

Health and lifespan

Sources most often report a lifespan of 10 to 15 years for this species; well-cared-for individuals living longer have also been recorded.

Notable health issues:

• Fatty liver disease: the most common consequence of a seed-heavy diet; signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal swelling.
• Cold-related stress: sudden temperature drops affect this species more than some other parrots; shivering or fluffed sitting calls for warming the environment and a vet visit.
• Vitamin A deficiency: in birds fed only seed, this can show as nasal discharge, swelling around the eyes, or breathing difficulty.
• Feather plucking and behavioural stress: can stem from insufficient stimulation or boredom; the cause should be investigated.
• Respiratory parasites and mites: occasionally seen, similar to other small parrots; clicking breath sounds or sneezing warrant a vet check.

Signs that mean a vet visit: loss of appetite, fluffed and drowsy sitting, change in droppings, tail-bobbing while breathing, discharge from the eyes or nostrils.

Taming and training

1. Settling in (first 1-2 weeks). Move calmly near the cage, let it get used to your voice, and don't force your hand in.
2. Introducing the hand. Put your hand in the cage and hold it still; because of its shy nature, this stage can take longer than with other parrots.
3. Stepping up. Press your finger gently against the lower chest, using a favourite seed as a reward.
4. Patience. Bourke's parrot earns trust slowly, but once settled it becomes a loyal bird that enjoys perching on your hand.

Its talking ability is limited; this species is better valued for its calm companionship than as an alternative to loud, chatty parrots.

History and life in the wild

Bourke's parrot is native to the arid interior of Australia — southwestern Queensland, western New South Wales, Central Australia, South Australia, and Western Australia — in country dominated by acacia scrub and spinifex grassland. It's named after the 19th-century Australian colonial governor Sir Richard Bourke.

In the wild it feeds on seeds and grasses, nests in tree hollows, and typically breeds between August and October. Being a species of arid country explains both its dusk activity and its tolerance of heat. Pastel colour mutations (such as yellow and red) have been developed in captivity, but its natural colouring is an earthy pinkish-brown.