The Bourkes parrot is named after General Richard Bourke, who was Governor of an Australian state at the time of its discovery (1838). Bourke’s parrots are related to nymphs, and in fact there are many similarities between the two species – both have a lot of grey in their plumage, both are native to Australia, both have long tails and prominent nostrils.
The Burk parrot is striking with its pinkish plumage. This is rare among parrots. Among parrots, only the Galah parrot, the Major Mitchells cockatoo and the Princes parrot have pink feathers. The grey and pink colours camouflage the parrots foraging for food on the brownish-red Australian soil. Introduced Burke’s parrots have more pink plumage than parrots in the wild.
Male Burke’s parrots have a blue patch above their nostrils. Females are slightly smaller and paler in colour. Juveniles resemble females up to 9 months, but later males develop a blue patch.
There are many mutations of the Burke’s parrot and a wide range of coloursiations, which is why Burk parrots are all very different – some have more blue, others more grey or pink.
Character
They are quite calm and can be kept with other parrot species. However, because of their peaceful nature, they are more likely to be attacked by other parrots. Even a waved parakeet or agapuris can chase and hurt a Burco parrot, so choose your partners carefully.Burco parrots are quite quiet and do not like to make noise, so they are suitable for apartment breeding.
They do not like to be petted, even if they have been hand-reared. Even in the wild, Burk parrots rarely handle each other’s feathers.They are almost never aggressive or bite.Compared to nymphs or even waved parrots, these parrots are less active and less playful, and a little lazier and slower. This is a minus for those who want a lively and curious parrot, but a plus for those who want a calmer bird.