Bourke Parakeet The Bourke Parakeet is the ideal bird for the novice aviculturist. They are hardy, easy to care for and willing breeders. These peaceful birds have calm dispositions that make them ideal companions for mixed flights that also house finches and cockatiels. Bourkes have a soft, pleasant voice, and are not nervous or excitable birds. Due to their non-destructive nature, it is unlikely that they will nibble on the vegetation in a planted aviary. Some people consider Bourkes dull, because of their sedentary nature; however they perk up at dawn and dusk. At these times, Bourke's fly actively around the aviary, making endearing twittering sounds. In the wild, it is not unusual for these birds to still be out and about past sunset. Bourkes are the only members of the Neophema family that lack the green feathering. They also have a slightly different body and tail shape, indicating that they might not be as closely related to the other Neophemas as we think. Although Bourke's make superb foster parents, they will not inbreed with the other grass parakeets. The male Bourke has a blue band of feathers above his nostrils. Hens are generally smaller in size. The Bourke has several color mutations that are more popular than the normal color phase. One of these is the rosy Bourke. Rosies are relatively inexpensive and readily available. After all, who would not like a bright pink bird in their aviary ? This sex-linked mutation ranges in color from pale pink to the more desirable dark pink. Males and females are virtually identical in appearance, though hens have darker faces and more grey scattered throughout their body. The cream or yellow Bourke's has a pale pink chest and a creamy beige back. A popular mutation in the last years has been the Pink Bourke. Not to be confused with the rosy, this bird is a bright pastel pink with light highlights. It is a compound mutation, meaning that through several breedings the colors cream ( or cinnamon) were combined with the rosy Bourke. Welcome!  |  About Us  |  Grass Parakeets  |  Prices  |  Contact Us Scarlet Chested  |  Turquoisine  |  Elegant  |  Bourke  |  Lineolated  |  Books  |  Poster  |  Links Copyright © 2000 Visual Wings, Inc. The contents of this web page, including all text and photographs are copyrighted material. No part of this page may be reproduced, in whole or part, without the express permission of the author. Last updated: 5/6/00