Blue Bonnet Parrakeet
(Northiella (psephotus) haematogaster)
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Article taken from Stan Sindel's book with his permission.
There are several types of the Blue Bonnet, including the Red vented Blue Bonnet (photo), Yellow vented Blue Bonnet and the Pallid Blue Bonnet.
They can be found mainly in NSW. Also in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.
Diet
Consists of seeds of the native and introduced grasses, herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs as well as fruits, berries, vegetable matter, flowers, nectar, insects and their larvae, and in the arid areas the seeds and fruit of saltbrush.
Breeding Season
Between July and October.
Four to six eggs are laid at two sometimes three-day intervals.
Incubation period usually extends from 19 to 21 days and they fledge between 35 to 39 days.
Nests
They prefer cramped nest sites with tiny entrance holes. Most will choose a hollow log rather than nest boxes.
Sexing
Sexes are alike but females are normally smaller, particularly noticeable in the head and beak. Males are brighter in colour.
Compatibility
Strictly one pair per flight.