Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke's Parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii, formerly known as Neophema bourkii), 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. They forage on the ground and in bushes for grasses and seeds, most active feeding at dusk and dawn. Due to their diet, the Bourke's parrot works as a known seed disperser.

The Bourke's parrot is a species that is not very large. They typically range in length from 18 to 23 cm, with a tail that is around 9 cm long. Males of the species weigh between 47 g and 49 g, whereas females of the species weigh between 41 g and 49 g, making them slightly smaller than the males on average. Up until the age of nine months, both sexes resemble each other quite a bit before developing their complete plumage colors. The Bourke's parakeet has a brown overall coloration with a pink abdomen, pinkish breasts, and a blue rump while it is in the wild. Dark-brown legs with zygodactyl toes are seen. It has a yellowish-brown bill. The adult male has a blue forehead while the adult female has a little or no blue on the forehead. The Bourke's parrot's feathers help it blend in with the reddish soil of its arid home.