a known seed disperser. Aviculture The Bourke's parrot is a relatively popular aviary bird. It is particularly common among new bird owners, as it is known for its quiet and passive temperament. Due to their peaceful nature, Bourke's parrots may be kept in captivity with a number of other species including finches, doves and other small parakeets. Bourke's parrots rarely learn to talk. Unlike many other species of parrots, the Bourke's parrot does not climb and instead relies on hopping or flying to reach higher perches. This species typically lives for 10-15 years when kept in captivity, but some individuals do surpass this lifespan. There are few documented mutations found in captive Bourke's parrots; such as yellow, Isabel, fallow and pink or rosa.<ref name="ReferenceA">"The New Australian Parakeet Handbook", Vriends, Barron’s Educational Series, Inc., Hauppauge, NY, 1992 </ref> The rosa mutation is particularly common in aviculture, lending to the popular name "Rosy Bourke." Additionally, while Bourke's parakeets lacking a color mutation can often be sexed visually, males and females with a color mutation cannot. There have been recorded instances of the Bourke's parrot producing hybrids with the scarlet-chested parrot (Neophema splendida). Threats The Bourke's parrot is not listed as threatened by the IUCN. The main threat faced by this particular species is predation from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) introduced from Europe and feral cats (Felis silvestris''). Drought and clearing of watering holes can have significant impacts on the population. However, there have not been a noticeable decline in numbers; rather they are steadily increasing. This is likely due to the reasoning that their habitat is so far spread and they have little contact with predators compared to other parakeet species. Gallery References Bourke's parrot Endemic birds of Australia Bourke's parrot Articles containing video clips