Barraband Parakeet
Description
The Barraband parrot (Polytelis swainsonii), also known as superb parrot, Barraband's parakeet, or green leek parrot,is a parrot native to south-eastern Australia. It is a dimorphic species and one of three species in the genus Polytelis.
The superb parrot is mostly bright green with darker flight feathers and is about 40 cm (16 in) long with a long pointed tail. Adult males have continuous yellow foreheads and throats, with a red horizontal band across the border of the throat.
The superb parrot is medium-sized, bright green, approximately 40 cm (16 in) long, and has long tail feathers, a yellow-green neck, and yellow-orange irises. The adult male has a scarlet band on its upper chest and a bright yellow face and throat. The adult female has a pale blue-green face, greyish-green throat, a variable tinged russet-pink fore-throat, and orange thighs. Juveniles have brown irises and otherwise resemble females.[7] The male has adult coloured plumage at the age of about one year.
Scientific Name
Polytelis swainsonii
Country Of Origin
Southeast Australia
Size
16 inches
Life Expectancy
up to 30 years
Noise Level
Loud, melodic singers
Characteristics
The Barraband parakeet is known as a friendly and dependable bird. In the wild, they live in small groups that remain together. Barraband parakeets are social birds that can thrive in captivity if kept in a colony.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Fresh greens are a top pick of the Barraband parakeets and should be included in their daily diet along with fruits, eggfood, multi-grain bread and other fresh vegetables. Males have a bright yellow forehead and yellow bib with orange feathers around the edge.
Expert Advice
“It’s best to put Barraband parakeets together as chicks for compatibility and bonding. They are a little bit more nervous then the Princess of Wales parakeets. They are pretty hardy when used to the elements. I have mine housed outside during the winter months.”
Melinda Schmitz, owner of Anza’s Australian Beauties aviaries