Regent Parakeet

Scientific name: Polytelis anthopeplus

Distribution:
   The Regent Parakeet or Regent Parrot is found in southwestern Australia and in a smaller area in southeastern Australia. They inhabit woodlands, especially eucalyptus groves, dense bushy areas, and today the birds from the western part are also found in cultivated areas, though this is not true of the birds in the eastern part.

Description:
   This bird is most commonly known as the Regent Parakeet or Regent Parrot, but it is also referred to as the Rock Pebbler as well as the Black-tailed Parakeet, the Smoker, and the Marlock Parakeet. It has been noted that the birds from the eastern part of Australia are more colorful than those in the western area.
   The males have a general yellow plumage with an olive-yellow crown and nape, while the female is predominantly a more olive-green with a dull olive-yellow on the head and breast. The back on both sexes is a dark olive green and there is a red band across the middle of the wings. The outer feathers of the wings are bluish-black and yellow underneath. The tail is also a blue-black, but the female has the dull olive-green feathers underneath tipped with a rose-pink and the edges are marginated. The beak is a coral color and the legs are gray. They reach a length of 16" (40cm). They are a rather long lived parakeet and have been know to live for up to 25 years in captivity.
   The juveniles are similar to the females though the young males will be more yellow. They will get their full coloration at about 14 months of age.

Care and Feeding:
   Fresh food and water must be provided daily.
   In the wild the Regent Parakeet eats a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, leaf buds, nectar, and blossoms. They do like to feed on the ground.
   See About Parakeets: Care and Feeding for more detailed information.

Housing:
   A single bird can be kept indoors. A roomy cage is required, and time out of the cage for exercise and flying is very important for them. They will also do very well in an aviary kept in groups of two or three pairs or with a mix of other peaceable birds. They do not like to bathe in a dish but do appreciate a spray bathe.
   See About Parakeets: Housing for more extensive housing information.

Maintenance:
   The basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Weekly you should wash all the perches and dirty toys, and the floor should be washed about every other week. A total hosing down and disinfecting of an aviary should be done yearly, replacing anything that needs to be freshened, such as old dishes, toys and perches.

Social Behaviors:
   In the wild these birds live in pairs or small flocks of about 20 birds, though they have been seen in flocks of up to 100 birds. They have a pleasant nature and enjoy being housed with other birds. Some good choices include Suberb Parakeets, Princess Parrots, and Indian Ringnecks as well as doves and quails.

Handling/Training:
   The Regent Parakeet or Regent Parrot quickly becomes accepting and trusting. They have an agreeably social nature and are easily tamed. They are also intelligent and are good talkers.
   See About Parakeets: Handling and Training for detailed information.

Activities:
   Regent Parakeets are very energetic birds! Besides flying, which is important for all parakeets, these birds love to chew! Be sure you provide them with lots of assorted toys and wood chews, perches and swings.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   The Regent Parakeet or Regent Parrot will readily breed and will produce one brood per year. In the wild they build their nests in large hollows down in the main stump of a tree.
   The female will lay four to six eggs. The young hatch in about 21 days and will fledge in about 40 days, leaving the nest in about 50 days.
   As importation of these beautiful birds is prohibited by the Australian government, many believe that it is important that the species are kept from cross-breeding to insure their continuation, there will be no more pure species brought into this country. However they will easily cross-breed, and have been hybridized with the Princess Parrot, the Suberb Parrot, and the Crimson-winged Parrot.
   Color mutations have also been achieved. There is a red mutation in Australia and a yellow-backed variety in Europe.
   See About Parakeets: Breeding and Reproduction for more information.

Potential Problems:
   Though the Regent Parakeet or Regent Parrot is a healthy and hardy bird, they do forage for food on the ground. This can make them more susceptible to intestinal worms and fungal infections. These can be averted by keeping the cage or aviary well maintained and clean.
   Because of their frequent contact with the ground where they like to pick up seed, you may also want to talk to an avian veterinarian about a regular de-worming schedule. With a proper environment and a good balanced diet, they are very hardy and resistant to disease.
   See About Parakeets: Potential Problems for more information.

Availability:
   Regent Parakeets or Regent Parrots are occasionally available at pet stores or from breeders.