Also called Red-rumped parakeet, Redrump, Red-backed parrot, Grass parrot, Green leek
SpeciesShort profile
From South-eastern Australia, from southern Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria and South Australia, in open and riverside woodland, grassland, farmland and suburbs up to about 1,000 m.1
Males are a bright emerald green with a yellow belly and a bright red patch on the lower back that shows in flight. Hens are a softer olive-green with a green rump. One subspecies has paler, bluer tones.12
ColoursWild type (green)CinnamonLutinoPiedBlueAlbinoOpaline2
Personality what they are like
A lively ground-feeding parakeet with a cheerful whistled call. It is hardy and adaptable. It is best housed as a pair on its own, as it can be bossy toward other birds.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Most active at dawn and dusk. Needs space to fly: an indoor aviary at least 1.8 m long or a larger walk-in aviary. It is a keen chewer that likes plenty of wooden items to work on.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Enjoys bathing, so provide water to bathe in. Supply plenty of chewable wood for enrichment.1
Home where they are happiest
An indoor aviary of at least 1.8 m or a bigger walk-in enclosure.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A small-seed mix with greens and a complete kibble. Wild birds eat grass and herb seeds and leaves, often bending seed stalks to the ground under their weight to reach the seeds.1
Company who they like around
Lives in pairs or small flocks in the wild. In aviaries it is usually kept as a pair, apart from other species.2
The story where it all began
John Gould described the species in 1837 from a bird collected in New South Wales. Its scientific name means roughly 'pebble-patterned, blood-backed'. The wild population recovered from a dip in the early 1900s and spread as land was opened up for farming after the 1950s.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
It feeds by landing on a small plant stem until it bends to the ground, then picks off the seeds.1
2
Aviculturists have produced more than 22 colour mutations.2
3
Its call is often written as 'chee chillip chee chillip'.2
4
Genetic studies show it is an early offshoot of the rosella family line and the only species in its genus.2
Recognised by the official bits
IUCN Red List
Least Concern; population size unknown but increasing.1
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Red-rumped Parrot?
Feed your Red-rumped Parrot daily with fresh food and water. Offer a small-seed mix with greens and a complete kibble. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.1Pet Wiki plan
What does a Red-rumped Parrot eat, and what should it never eat?
A Red-rumped Parrot eats a small-seed mix, greens, and a complete kibble. Wild birds also eat grass and herb seeds and leaves. For a list of foods it should never eat, please consult your vet.1
How much space does a Red-rumped Parrot need?
Your Red-rumped Parrot needs an indoor aviary at least 1.8 meters long, or a larger walk-in aviary, so it can fly and stay active.1
What temperature, light or water does a Red-rumped Parrot need?
Provide a shallow dish of water for bathing, as this parrot enjoys it. For temperature and light, keep the aviary in a comfortable indoor spot and ask your vet for specific guidance.1
How often should I clean a Red-rumped Parrot's home?
Change the cage liner every two days and do a full clean once a week, following Furry Diary's starting plan. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Red-rumped Parrot live with others?
It is best kept as a pair with its own kind. It can be bossy toward other bird species, so house it separately from them.21
How long does a Red-rumped Parrot live?
With good care, a Red-rumped Parrot can live between 15 and 32 years.2
Can I handle a Red-rumped Parrot?
Handling depends on the individual bird. For advice, ask a good breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Eastern Rosella
Bourke's Parakeet