Hand reared Superb Parrot from Parrot Haven Aviary

A Leader in Breeding Hand Reared Companion Parrots

Parrot Haven Aviary Specialises In the Eclectus Parrot.

"One of the best companions in the world."

Cock & Hen Superb Parrots

Polytelis Swainsonii

Male and Female Superb Parrots at Parrot Haven Aviary

Female on the left. Note the bright yellow on the forehead, throat and cheeks of the male also the wide crescent of scarlet across the foreneck

The Superb Parrot is also known as the Barraband or Green Leek. They are medium sized birds, about 400 mm long. They can be identified by their long bright green tails, green bodies and blue tipped wings.

Males are a richer green than females and have a bright yellow forehead and throat which is banded by a bold red ring. In flight their sleek bodies, long pointed tails and backward swept wings give them a distinctive silhouette.

Despite its elegant appearance, the Superb Parrot is a hardy bird which can live for up to 25 years.

The Superb Parrot is endemic to the Murray-Darling Basin. It occurs mainly in the red gum forests and black box woodlands of the Riverina and northern Victoria. It migrates to over-winter along the Namoi and Castlereagh rivers in north-western New South Wales.

The birds return from wintering sites to the South-west Slopes, Murrumbidgee Valley and Barmah-Millewa Forests have been identified as the major breeding areas.

Superb Parrots are social birds and often feed in pairs or in small parties searching for seeds,nectar, and grains. During the breeding season, flocks of males can be seen feeding together and collecting food for nesting females. This is done two to three times a day over a month or more while the eggs and new hatchlings are developing.

Other Names:

Barraband Parrot, Barraband Parakeet, Scarlet-breasted Parrot, Green Leek.

Size:

Length of the Superb Parrot is around 40 cm (15 3/4 inches) from head to tip of tail.

Sexing:

The adult male is easily recognised by the beautiful yellow on his forehead, throat and cheeks. A wide crescent of scarlet stands out like a beacon across his foreneck. (See the picture above.)

Distribution:

The Superb Parrot can be found in the inland area of New South Wales and the northern most area of Victoria.

Feeding:

Superb Parrots spend much time on the ground where they pick up seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. They feed also on fruit, berries, nuts, nectar and blossoms procured in the the tree tops or among the outer branches of scrubs.

Breeding Season:

The breeding season in Australia lasts from September until December.

Eggs:

There are between 4 and 6 eggs laid per clutch and the eggs are broad-elliptical without any gloss. Incubation is approximately twenty days and only the female broods. The male feeds the hen three to four times a day.

Breeding in Aviculture:

Each pair should be housed in a spacious aviary to allow for adequate exercise. A lot of time is spent on the ground and they should be wormed on a regularly (about every three months.)

The Superb Parrot is a highly desirable aviary parrot, displaying a pleasant disposition and is not noisy.

[Superb] [Princess] [Eastern Rosella] [Australian King Parrot]

Book Available: Australian Long & Broad-tailed Parrots and New Zealand Kakarikis

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Contact: Garry & Lyn Lee

Back Kootingal Road, NEMINGHA, via Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia.

Phone Australia: 02-67609531 Fax Australia 02-67609831 E-mail: pha@parrot-haven-aviary.com.au

Phone International: +61 2 6760 9531 Fax International: +61 2 6760 9831

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