Small red and blue parrots refer to a few different types of parakeets that are known for their bright coloration. The most common small red and blue parrots kept as pets include the Budgerigar, Bourke’s parakeet, and the Lineolated parakeet. These parrots are native to Australia and South America and are popular as pets due to their small size, beautiful plumage, and ability to mimic speech.
Budgerigar
The budgerigar, also known as the common pet parakeet or shell parakeet, is probably the most popular of the small red and blue parrots kept as pets. Budgerigars are native to Australia and live in grasslands and open woodlands. They are small parrots, measuring between 5.5 and 8 inches in length and weighing less than 1 ounce.
Budgerigars have long tapered tails and sleek bodies. Their plumage is primarily greenish-yellow with black scalloping on the back and wings. The forehead, face, and throat area are yellow with black stripes. The most distinctive feature of budgerigars is the bright blue plumage on their rumps. The color is iridescent and varies between sky blue and turquoise. Males and females look similar except females usually have a tan or brownish cere (the fleshy area at the base of the upper beak) while males have a blue cere once they reach maturity.
| Scientific Name | Melopsittacus undulatus |
|---|---|
| Origin | Australia |
| Size | 5.5 – 8 inches long |
| Weight | Less than 1 ounce |
| Coloration | Green, yellow, black, blue |
| Lifespan | 5-8 years (up to 15 years in captivity) |
In the wild, budgerigars live in large flocks that travel together to forage for grass seeds, spinifex grass, and other vegetation. They nest in tree hollows and crevices in rocks. Budgerigars are popular as pets because they can be bred in captivity and hand-raised easily. They are active, playful birds that bond strongly with their owners. A tame budgerigar can learn to mimic words and phrases. Their small size and quiet nature make them suitable for apartment living. Proper care is required to meet their nutritional and social needs in captivity.
Bourke’s Parakeet
Bourke’s parakeet is a small, swift Australian parrot that gets its name from the explorer Robert Bourke who first discovered the species in the 1840s. Also known as the blue-winged parrot, Bourke’s parakeet measures approximately 7 inches long. It has long pointed tail feathers and a swift, direct flight pattern.
The plumage of Bourke’s parakeet is mostly dull green on the back and wings, with a blue-grey colored head and breast. The bird has bright blue primary flight feathers on its wings that are especially visible during flight. The forehead and throat area may be tinged with pink-red. The eyes have pale yellow irises and the beak is horn-colored. Males and females have identical external plumage.
| Scientific Name | Neopsephotus bourkii |
|---|---|
| Origin | Australia |
| Size | 7 inches long |
| Weight | 0.8 – 1 ounce |
| Coloration | Green, blue, pink, grey |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
In the wild, Bourke’s parakeets inhabit open savannas and grasslands across inland Australia. They nest in the hollows of eucalyptus trees and feed on seeds of grasses and herbs. Bourke’s parakeets form lifelong monogamous pairs and live in small flocks. They are nimble, speedy fliers that often travel long distances in search of food and water.
In captivity, Bourke’s parakeets have calm, gentle dispositions. They are active and curious birds that enjoy interacting with their owners. Providing adequate space for flying exercise is important to keep Bourke’s parakeets healthy and happy as pets. Their soft vocalizations and small size make them well-suited to apartment living.
Lineolated Parakeet
The lineolated parakeet, also known as the barred parakeet or Catherine’s parakeet, is a South American species that also exhibits the red and blue coloration. Native to Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, the lineolated parakeet inhabits forests and woodlands. It measures approximately 11 inches long.
The lineolated parakeet has bright green plumage on its back and wings. The tail feathers are bluish-green with black and red banding. The throat and upper breast feathers are deep red, while the lower breast and belly feathers are blue. The forehead is reddish-brown and the eyes have brown irises. The beak is pale grey. Males and females are virtually indistinguishable.
| Scientific Name | Bolborhynchus lineola |
|---|---|
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 11 inches long |
| Weight | 1.5 – 2 ounces |
| Coloration | Green, blue, red, black |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
In the wild, lineolated parakeets are highly social and gather in flocks that can number in the hundreds. They nest in tree cavities and feed on fruits, seeds, berries, and some insects. As pets, lineolated parakeets are playful and energetic. They are excellent talkers, able to mimic words and phrases very clearly. Their loud vocalizations and active nature mean they are not ideal for apartment living. Providing plenty of space and enrichment is key for the health and wellbeing of a lineolated parakeet.
Similarities and Differences
While the budgerigar, Bourke’s parakeet, and lineolated parakeet all exhibit the red and blue coloration, there are some key differences between these species:
- Budgerigars are the smallest species, while lineolated parakeets are the largest
- Budgerigars and Bourke’s parakeets originate in Australia, while lineolated parakeets are from South America
- Lineolated parakeets are the loudest vocalizers of the three
- Budgerigars can mimic speech the best
- Bourke’s parakeets have the swiftest, most direct flight
- Lineolated parakeets require the most spacious housing
Similarities between the species include:
- All three have primarily green plumage with areas of blue and red coloration
- They are highly social flocking birds in the wild
- These parakeets are cavity nesters
- Their diets consist mainly of seeds, fruits, vegetation
- Can live 10-15 years or longer with proper care as pets
- Require large cages and ample playtime outside the cage
While challenging at times, all three species can make delightful companion parrots when their needs for nutrition, socialization, mental stimulation and flight exercise are met. Their small size and colorful beauty help explain why these red and blue parrots are favored as pets.
Habitat and Distribution
The natural habitats and geographic distributions of these three parakeet species are as follows:
Budgerigar
Native to Australia
Found across the drier interior of Australia in grasslands and open woodlands
Bourke’s Parakeet
Native to Australia
Found in open savanna and grassland habitats of inland Australia
Lineolated Parakeet
Native to South America
Found in eastern and central Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina
Inhabits forests and woodlands
Diet and Feeding
All three parakeet species are primarily granivorous, meaning they feed on seeds and grain. Their diets in the wild consist of:
Budgerigar
– Grass seeds
– Spinifex grass seeds
– Vegetable matter
– Occasional insects
Bourke’s Parakeet
– Seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants
– Some berries and fruits
– Occasional insects
Lineolated Parakeet
– Seeds of trees and shrubs
– Fruits like figs and berries
– Some flowers, vegetables, nuts
– Occasional insects and their larvae
In captivity, a balanced diet for these parakeets should include:
– High quality seed mix
– Pellets fortified with vitamins and minerals
– Chopped fruits and vegetables
– Some cooked grains and legumes
– Occasional treats like nuts, yogurt, boiled eggs
Fresh water should always be available.
Behavior and Nature
Some aspects of behavior and nature for each species:
Budgerigar
– Highly social, live in large flocks
– Form strong bonds with flockmates
– Playful, active, and friendly when hand-raised
– Excellent mimics, can learn words and phrases
– Curious and interactive pets
– Require social interaction and enrichment
Bourke’s Parakeet
– Social, live in pairs or small flocks
– Form monogamous lifelong pair bonds
– Can be hand-tamed but shy initially
– Generally quiet with soft vocalizations
– Peaceful and gentle personality
– Require some social interaction as pets
Lineolated Parakeet
– Highly social and gather in large flocks
– Energetic and playful
– Extremely talented talkers
– Can learn long phrases and songs
– Boisterous and loud vocalizations
– Require extensive enrichment and exercise
Breeding and Nesting
In the wild, these parakeets all nest in cavities, with some key aspects of their breeding biology being:
Budgerigar
– Nest in holes in trees, rock crevices
– Female lays 4-8 white eggs
– Incubation period 18-21 days
– Chicks fledge at 5-6 weeks old
Bourke’s Parakeet
– Nest in hollows of eucalyptus trees
– Female lays 5-7 white eggs
– Eggs hatch after 18-21 days
– Chicks leave nest at 5-6 weeks
Lineolated Parakeet
– Use cavities in tall trees for nest sites
– Female lays 3-4 white eggs
– Eggs incubate for 23-26 days
– Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks old
In captivity, breeding pairs should be provided with nest boxes to encourage nesting behavior. Removing nest boxes helps discourage chronic egg laying which can be harmful to the female.
Care as Pets
Important aspects of caring for these parakeets as pets include:
Housing
– Large cage, minimum 18x18x18 inches for budgies
– Bigger is better, allow for flying exercise
– Bar spacing no more than 3/8 inches
– Varied natural perches, toys, enrichment
Socialization
– Hand-raising and training from young age
– Frequent interaction and playtime outside cage
– Housing in pairs/groups often recommended
– Supervise interactions with other pets
Nutrition
– Fortified pellets and seeds
– Chopped fruits and vegetables
– Fresh water changed daily
Grooming and Health
– Trim nails and wings as needed
– Check for parasites, infections
– Annual exams recommended
– Life span from 10-15 years
When their needs are met, these small parakeets can thrive as pets, entertaining their owners with their beauty, playfulness and intelligence. Proper research is required to ensure their health and happiness in captivity.
Conclusion
The small red and blue parrots commonly kept as pets represent three different species – the budgerigar, Bourke’s parakeet, and lineolated parakeet. While differing in size and origin, these parakeets share characteristics like their colorful plumage, social nature, seed-based diets, and cavity nesting habits. Their high energy levels and need for frequent interaction and exercise make them challenging pets for first-time owners. However, these intelligent and colorful parrots can make rewarding companions when provided with appropriate care and housing. If considering one of these parakeets as a new pet, be sure to thoroughly research the specific species’ needs and requirements for nutrition, space and enrichment to achieve the greatest success and enjoyment.
