• History
  • Temperament
  • Speech and Vocalizations
  • Colors and Markings
  • Care
  • Common Health Problems
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Exercise
  • Where to Adopt or Buy
  • Further Research

Origin and History

Species Overview

Like many exotic pet parrots, this species is endangered in the wild. They are threatened due to deforestation and illegal trapping.

Temperament

Speech and Vocalizations

These parrots may not screech as much as some, but they will get very loud on occasion. They are excellent talkers and singers, however. You can train these birds to develop a rather extensive vocabulary of words spoken with great human-like clarity, but be careful what you say. They’re also known for picking up (and relentlessly remembering) some phrases you’d prefer the bird forget.

There is a stunning color mutation of this bird. Its primary body feathers appear as a blue-green with darker turquoise on the wings and a white spot on the nape. They are rare and command a high price in the bird world.

Males and females look exactly alike. To tell the two sexes apart, your bird would require genetic testing or a surgical sexing procedure. DNA tests are the least invasive way and can be purchased online, inexpensively.

These birds thrive on social interaction, and they need it to remain healthy and happy. Neglected birds can fall into destructive behavior patterns and depression. Depression or anxiety can lead to physical and emotional problems, including feather plucking and biting people.

For these reasons, you should ask about the history of any mature bird you’re looking to adopt. Bad habits, past trauma, and inadequate training can result in a parrot that even the best bird behaviorists will have difficulty rehabilitating.

Make sure you provide a cage that is suited to this bird—at least 3 square feet. The bird may seem small, but it still needs room to move and play. Keep the bird occupied while you’re not available by outfitting the cage with ladders, perches, and interactive toys.

Common Health Problems

  • Feather-picking, usually a result of neglect or lack of mental/physical stimulationPsittacosis, also called parrot fever, an infection caused by chlamydia bacteriaPoor eating habits and obesity, which may be prevented with a healthy, balanced diet and regular, daily exercise

Diet and Nutrition

Tip

A mentally stimulating activity for your bird is hiding an occasional treat, which mimics the bird’s instinct to forage for its food.

Exercise

  • Social, affectionate, loyal

  • Intelligent, a great mimic and talker

  • Can get loud

  • May have biting, aggressive period during its adolescence

  • Bird Breeders

  • Birds Now

  • Adopt a Pet

If buying through a breeder, make sure you interview the breeder, look at the general health of their birds, check out their living conditions, and talk to past customers. Signs you should avoid the breeder include cramped living conditions, inactive birds, and breeders who avoid your questions or do not seem to have much information on their birds.

More Pet Bird Species and Further Research

If you are interested in similar species, check out:

  • Parrots & Pet Birds