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Mulga Parrot
Psephotellus varius

Mulga Parrot

Content


Anatomy-parrots-eng

Description

27 to 28 cm. length between 53 and 70 g. of weight.

The plumage of the Mulga Parrot (Psephotellus varius) It, in general, color bright green. A yellow band across the front and a variable red spot adorns the back of the crown. The abdomen and the thighs are yellow, more or less stained Red. The uppertail-coverts are bright green, with a reddish blotch at the base of the tail. The lower area of the back has a blue-green band bordered above and below with a dark bluish-green line;. The curvature of the wings are turquoise and the blankets they have a yellow-orange tone forming a patch on the wing. The central feathers of the tail are green bronze, changing to greenish-blue. The outer feathers of the tail are green-blue on the bottom and white on the tip. The bottom of the tail It has a pale blue base and a finish in black. The bill is dark gray. The irises They are brown, legs grey.

In the female, the head, the back and top of the chest a color is brownish olive. The feathers of the lower parts are light green. The headband orange-yellow is barely noticeable and, often dyed red bermejo. The place that adorns the back of the crown is opaque reddish. The patch of the wing is red, not yellow as in the male.

The youth they are much more muted than their parents. Young females have small blankets green edged with red, giving the latter a scaly appearance. Among young males, the red in the abdomen and the thighs is practically missing.

Habitat:

Mulga Parrot

The Mulga Parrot generally prefers dry open habitats and lightly wooded Plains, where can find a great variety of vegetation. Found in scrubland Mallee and, in plots of acacia, casuarina, and also in the regions where small trees of eucalyptus They punctuate the stretches of sand. They are also present in the rocky hills or rocky cliffs.

They survive in dry areas, but in these cases, often sit near sources or temporary streams. The Mulga Parrot they owe their English name (Mulga Parrot) the fact that his rank often coincides with areas of Mulga, It is the vernacular name of Aboriginal origin, It is used to describe the semi-arid vegetation that covers the largest part the Australian continent. Mulga It appoints to the extension of the ecosystem or landscape in which Acacia are the dominant vegetation type. This does not mean that this species is strictly dependent on this habitat type.

Unlike in the Red-rumped Parrot, the Mulga Parrot is a quiet and reserved bird. This species usually lives in pairs or small family groups, rarely in large flocks. Most of the time, looking for food on the ground, in the shade of the trees at the edge of a road.

They show a great familiarity and usually allow to photograph them at close range. When it manifests some distrust, They walk away a short distance, to a tree and then return to Earth as soon as the intruder has moved away. On the other hand, When it comes to drinking, they are very cautious, as well as when they rest in the treetops, where are trying to keep hidden.

Reproduction:

The nesting period is carried out between the months of July and December, but also at other times of the year, provided that is a rainy month. The processions are very similar to the of the Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus) and includes mutual grooming.

The nest It is often found in a cavity in a tree, However, They also use nests of others parakeets or other openings such as tunnels dug in riverbanks.

The nests of the Mulga Parrot they are often found in small stunted trees, at low altitude above the ground. But, places near rivers provide locations that are at a higher elevation.

The female incubated during 19 days, While the male mounts guard close to stock up your food partner and warn of possible dangers.

The chicks, they leave the nest four weeks after hatching. Immediately after take-off, they join adults to form family groups.

Food:

The Mulga Parrot they feed on grass seeds, acacia seeds, berries, mistletoe and fruits. They complement their menu with different varieties of insects.

Distribution:

Size of the area of distribution (reproduction / resident): 3.330.000 km2

Endemic to the southern part of the Australian continent. Its range covers the entire southern part of Western Australia, except the forest area of ​​south west. It continues throughout the Great Australian Bight, Southern Australia and reaching the state of Victoria. Ends in southeast New South Wales, but does not cross the Great dividing range and it kept at great distance from the coast. Despite the large size of its territory (more than 3 million square kilometers), the species is considered monotypic (no subspecies).

Conservation:


Status


• Current category of the Red List of the UICN: Least concern

• Population Trend: Decreasing

The Mulga Parrot they are widespread and relatively common in appropriate habitats.

Since the European colonization, the species appears to have changed its habitat significantly and is now more common in the grain belt in the desert.

The population, currently estimated at around 100.000 birds, It is slightly decreasing in the South due to the thinning areas of Mallee. In general, is not endangered. Classified by the IUCN as it does not present major problems.

"Mulga Parrot" in captivity:

It is in 1861 that the Mulga Parrot they arrived in Europe. The first specimen was exhibited to the public at the London Zoo. The first case of reproduction of this species dates back in the year 1876 in charge of the SR. Verviers in France. For a long time, These birds were known for being unreliable. That may be true, but the Mulga Parrot who are captives now in Europe support good climate, although they seem a little less solid than the Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus). It is possible that this is one of reasons why have been much less popular in aviaries that the Red-rumped Parrot.
Despite this, It is a parakeet can be advised to novice fans. The varied Perico often show minor differences in color and design. This is not anything unusual, This phenomenon is also known among the birds living in the wild. It is even possible to see the small differences in the same nest, If you look well.
These birds always in motion they are not suitable for being kept captive as pet birds in a small cage.

These are relatively strong birds, they withstand the cold relatively well, although they are sensitive to very low temperatures. They are birds peaceful and assets. Quickly show confidence to their caregiver. The sound of his voice is melodious. It is a bird that likes to raise. Like to be on the ground and, often spend their time grooming are. They also love to bathe. On the other hand, they are large rodents.
During the breeding season they are aggressive when in the company of other birds., even if it can be accommodated with conspecifics and other species of large birds, that will have no trouble, If the space in which birds are kept is large enough.

With regard to its longevity, a sample lived 11,8 years in captivity. In captivity, estas aves se han conocido casos de reproducción con 1 año de edad.

Alternative names:

Mulga Parrot, Many-colored Parakeet, Many-colored Parrot, Many-coloured Parakeet, Many-coloured Parrot, Varied Parrot (ingles).
Perruche multicolore (French).
Vielfarbensittich (German).
Periquito-de-mulga (Portuguese).
Perico Variado, Periquito multicolor (español).

scientific classification:

Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittaculidae
Genus: Psephotellus
Scientific name: Psephotellus varius
Citation: Clark, AH, 1910
Protonimo: Psephotus varius

Images “Mulga Parrot”:

Videos "Mulga Parrot"

“Mulga Parrot” (Psephotellus varius)

Sources:

  • Avibase
  • Parrots of the World – Forshaw Joseph M
  • Parrots A Guide to the Parrots of the World – Tony Juniper & Mike Parr
  • Birdlife
  • Anage: El Animal Envejecimiento y Longevidad de base de datos – AnAge entry for Psephotus varius

  • Photos:

(1) – Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius), Northern Territory, Australia By Christopher Watson (http://www.comebirdwatching.blogspot.com/) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(2) – A male Mulga Parrot at Gluepot Reserve, South Australia, Australia. Male By David Cook Wildlife Photography from Wamboin, NSW, Australia [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(3) – Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius) Currawinya NP, SW Queensland, Australia By Aviceda (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(4) – Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius), Northern Territory, Australia By Christopher Watson (http://www.comebirdwatching.blogspot.com/) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(5) – A male Mulga Parrot (also known as the Many-coloured Parrot at Wyperfeld National Park, Victoria, Australia By David Cook Wildlife Photography [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
(6) – Parrots in captivity /. London :George Bell and Sons,1884-1887 [i.e. 1883-1888] – Flickr

  • Sounds: Marc Anderson (Xeno-canto)

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