On the planet there are many of the most diverse genera and species of parrots. This article will tell you about a very interesting bird - a mountain parrot. What is so special about it and whether it is possible to settle it at home, we will consider below.
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In Latin, a mountain parrot sounds like Polytelis anthopeplus. It belongs to the class of birds, the order of parrots, the parrot family, the subfamily of real parrots, the genus of luxurious parrots. In 1831, the subspecies Polytelis anthopeplus was discovered, and in 1993, the Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides Schodde. The first subspecies is the most suitable for keeping at home.
The species of luxurious parrots includes the following species: Alexandra's luxurious parrot and the luxurious barraband parrot. The first species has an olive color, the place from the cheeks to the throat is distinguished by a reddish tint, the wing is yellow below.
The second view with a bright green feather, the forehead also has a red tint in the form of a strip.
The barraband parrot is easily distinguishable from the previous species.
In the family of parrots, the genus jumping parrots is distinguished, the representative of which is the species New Zealand mountain jumping parrot. This species in New Zealand is endangered and is listed in the Red Book.
The New Zealand mountain parrot has similarities with a barrabandy.
Appearance and lifestyle
The magnificent mountain parrot is quite large. The length of his body reaches 40 centimeters, half of which is the tail. The weight of the birds is about 130-200 grams. The middle feathers are longer than the extreme ones. Parameters like these allow mountain parrots to be great flyers.
Feathers are bright yellow. The top is yellow with olive. A transverse stripe of red color stands out on the wings. The beak is also colored red. Females are distinguished by the color of their plumage: instead of yellow, green with an olive tint, the tail has a dark color on top, and their beak is lighter than that of males.
What is special is the fact that chicks are born very similar, and only by the age of seven months do signs appear that make it possible to determine gender.
New Zealand look differs in appearance. It has a length two times less, and also less weight - only about 50 grams. His color is bright green, on his head there is a small patch of orange, and a large spot of yellow. Blue feathers stand out on the wings. The beak is painted with blue-gray colors.
The mountain parrot is distinguished by a very loud voice. He can scream for a long time, seeking attention to his person. This bird has a very good ability to learn. She can memorize words, whole phrases, as well as imitate various sounds, while copying intonation. Among other things, a mountain parrot can be trained in various tricks. The bird is very smart. Thanks to this, it is easy to teach a number of rules. She is able to remember and understand that it is impossible to spoil furniture, that you need to go to the toilet in a specially designated place, that certain interior items cannot be touched.
Mountain parrots live both in cultural landscapes and in uninhabited places. They place nests, as a rule, in the hollow of eucalyptus, as well as other trees; in their absence, they settle in stones and rocks.
There are times when a mutation occurs in the DNA, resulting in chicks with a predominantly yellow color.
A photo of a yellow mutation of mountain parrots is presented below.
Habitat halo
The distribution area of the mountain parrot is Australia, the southeast and southwest parts of the continent. As already mentioned, they live among people, and away from them. Those who live in western Australia prefer to settle among people, often they damage crops. But the eastern inhabitants, on the contrary, give their preferences to places located as far as possible from people, in the steppes and savannahs, as well as mountains, choosing the highest places for life.
Mountain parrots are able to fly long enough distances, especially in search of food.
Home Content
Mountain parrots can be ideal pets. The only thing that can stop is a loud voice. This fact should be given special attention if it is planned to settle a bird in an apartment, since it will interfere not only with its owner, but also with its neighbors.
In general, keeping a mountain parrot is quite simple. The best place for him would be to be placed in a special aviary, and not in a cage. This bird likes to lead quite strongly. Therefore, if you want to settle several birds together, then it is better to do this at the same time, then they will not have disputes over the territory.
A mountain parrot can tolerate temperatures up to 6 degrees below zero. The most suitable for it is a dry climate. With prolonged humidity, it can become sick.
At home, this parrot can live up to 30 years.
Particular attention should be paid to training mountain parrots. This bird is very smart. It can be taught many things, but you need to do it right.
For example, in this video you can see how a parrot disassembles and assembles a pyramid.
Learning should be approached as if you are trying to teach a baby. No need to scold him or wave his hand if he does not succeed. It is necessary to support him, as well as to praise and encourage with any achievements.
In addition, the learning process is able to bring the owner and pet closer, making them a real team.
The cost of such a pet is within 7000 rubles.
Diet and reproduction
Grains such as oats, millet, various small feeds are suitable as food for mountain parrots. Periodically, the pet should be given germinated grains, as well as fruits and vegetables. Also in the diet you need to include an egg mixture, insects and flour worms.
The female lays eggs in an amount of up to 6 pieces, of which approximately three weeks later, chicks appear. About three years is needed for small parrots to reach final maturity.
Photo of mountain parrots
In captivity, parrots feel quite comfortable. However, the enclosure (cage) should be spacious.
A pair of luxurious mountain parrots sets off very brightly. Birds will not be bored. However, if you want to teach something to your pet, it is better to start one budgie without a companion.
But most comfortable birds feel in the wild and nature reserves. In the photo below, a mountain parrot at the entrance to the nest. The nest itself can be 2-3 meters above the entrance.
Beautiful bird - that’s it. Insanely beautiful plumage combined with an amazing ability to train and learn. The mountain parrot is a wonderful choice among other parrots. He will be a great friend for the whole family.