Тhe red-rumped parrot (Psephotus haematonotus), also known as the red-backed parrot or grass parrot, is a common bird of south-eastern Australia, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. Red-rumped parrots can be found in pairs or flocks in open country with access to water. They avoid the coast and the wetter, more heavily wooded areas. Clearing of large tracts of forest and the provision of water for stock has probably extended their range. They are often seen in suburban parks and gardens. They spend a great deal of time feeding on the ground, and often call to one another with an attractive singing. Often eat on farms, picking beans in the livestock or poultry. Sometimes harm the crops of cereals.
Red-rumped parrots are slim, elegant, moderate-sized parrots approximately 28 cm in length. The male’s plumage is a bright emerald-green with yellow underparts, a brick-red rump and blue highlights on the wings and upper back. The female’s plumage is less vibrant, with pale olive underparts, dull green wings and back and blue-black wingtips. The characteristic red rump is only found in the male.
Like many parrots, red-rumped parrots nest in tree hollows or similar places, including fence posts and stumps. Male for someperiod grooms the hen, feeding her. In the clutch typically there are 3-7 eggs. The incubation period is 20-21 days. While the hen incubates, the male feeds and takes care of the hen. The chicks fly out the nest after 35 days, but the parents continue to feed them some more 15-20 days.
Red-rumped parrots do well in aviaries and cages. They don’t like to be in crowded spaces and will sometimes be aggressive towards other birds if they don’t have enough space. Red-rumped parrots can also be hand reared, provided that they have a large cage and are taken out of their cage on a daily basis to prevent boredom, as it may result in the parrot pulling out its feathers to occupy itself. They are not renowned for their ability to talk but with patience and perseverance they can be trained to talk.
