Bourke's Parrot

1. Subtle gray-brown upperparts with pastel pink underparts and blue highlights

2. Prominent white “spectacles” around the eyes and blue wing edges visible in flight

3. Listen for mellow, soft “chee-wee” or “chee-rup” calls, especially at dawn and dusk

These parrots feed mostly on the ground, eating seeds of grasses and herbs, and occasionally grass shoots and seeds from acacia and cassia plants. They require regular access to water and are most active at twilight, which helps them avoid the heat and reduces competition with other seed-eating birds. Bourke’s Parrots are monogamous and nest in tree hollows 1–3 meters above ground, usually in dead trees or stumps. The female incubates 3–6 eggs for about 18–19 days, with both parents feeding the chicks, which fledge at around four weeks`.` Breeding generally occurs from July to December, often timed with rainfall.

Bourke’s Parrots are widespread across arid and semi-arid inland Australia, from Western Australia to western Queensland and New South Wales, and south to northern South Australia. They favour mulga and acacia scrublands, native cypress, and open eucalypt woodlands, often near water sources. The best time to observe them is at dawn or dusk, when they visit waterholes in flocks. During the day, they feed quietly on the ground in pairs or small groups, and seek shade during the hottest hours.