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Princess Parrots!
The Princess Parrot (Polytelis alexandrae) is a native Australian parrot that inhabits fairly dry arid regions. It is a medium sized bird averaging about 40cm in length that is seen much more often in aviculture than in the wild. Other common names used for this bird are The Princess of Wales Parakeet, Princess Alexandra Parrot and the Rose-throated Parrot.
The wild-type colour of the Princess Parrot is a subtle combination of greens, blues and pinks. Other mutations that have been developed are the blue (pictured above), the lutino, and the Albino. In the wild-type Princess Parrots the males can be distinguished from the females by the colour differences once they reach maturity. Juvenile birds all look like females and the only way to sex them is by DNA testing. In adult birds the rump area in the male is more violet blue rather than grey blue as in the hen. The males head is a brighter blue and the beak is brighter red than the females. The biggest difference between the sexes is seen in the tail length. The central tail feathers can be up to 3.5 inches longer than those on the hen. The males also develop a 'spatule' on the third primary flight feather on each wing. This is only seen on adult males that have been through their second moult.
Pictures of Lutino Princess Parrot
Princess Parrots are normally quiet birds living between 20-30 years. The are naturally curious by nature but are usually gentle-natured. They are quite hardy though despite their almost regal appearance. As pets these birds make the ideal addition to any household. They can develop into quite good whistlers but are known to be generally quiet, lacking in the loud raucous screeches of a lot of other parrots. The males can learn to talk over time but they would not be considered as excellent talkers when compared to some of the cockatoo species.
White Lime Male Princess Parrot
Feeding Princess Parrots is similar to feeding Alexandrines or other parrot species. A good quality parrot mix combined with fresh water, a good variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts and some native branches to chew on usually provides these birds with a good balanced diet. Extra calcium is always a good idea and can be in the form of cuttlebone or mineral blocks.
Previously I have only bred blue and green Princess Parrots for the purpose of handraised pets. At this stage I will continue to do so. For the moment though the lime, white and lutinos will only be raised for future breeding purposes or sold as aviary breeding birds.
George & Maureen Blair Phone: (07) 3344 2910 Email: maureen@sunnybankaviaries.com © Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved No part of this website may be reproduced without permission from Sunnybank Aviaries This page was last updated 10-Jul-2008
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