page_title: Bourke's parrot
section_title: Breeding
hierarchical_section_title: Bourke's parrot / Ecology and behaviour / Breeding
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Bourkesittich Neopsephotus bourkii , Ei, Coll. Museum Wiesbaden English: Bourke's parrot Neopsephotus bourkii , egg, Coll. Museum Wiesbaden
context_page_description: Bourke's parrot, also known as the blue-vented parrot, sundown parrot, pink-bellied parrot, Bourke's parakeet, Bourke or "Bourkie", is a small parrot found in Australia and the only species in its genus, Neopsephotus. It is approximately 19 cm long and weighing around 45 grams. It is named after General Sir Richard Bourke, Governor of New South Wales from 1831 to 1837.
context_section_description: During the nesting season, males are highly territorial, chasing away any potential intruders or threats. Breeding season for the Bourke's parrot usually occurs between the months of August and October, but can also draw out into December, depending on the season and availability of resources.
  Bourke's parrots are monogamous, staying with a single partner. Their nests tend to be situated from 1 metre to 3 metres above ground level in hollow limbs of the mulga tree or other acacia species. Eggs are generally laid on a bed of decayed wood at the bottom of the tree hollow. The Bourke's parrot has a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs, which are incubated by the female for 18–19 days. During this period, she is fed by the male parrot, only leaving the nest to find water or to defecate.
  Once the chicks hatch, both parents feed their young. Offspring begin fledging at about 4 weeks of age, becoming fully independent around 8 to 10 days later.
caption: Eggs, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
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