AUSTRALIAN SPECIALISTS!

Mulga pair in the aviary

MULGA/MANY-COLORED PARROT (Psephotus varius)

    Mulga parrots are distributed over a vast inland region of Australia, occupying nearly the entire southern half of the continent.  This species is named after the habitat in which they frequently occur; mulga is the common name of Acacia aneura, a common tree in the areas these birds are found.  They inhabit sparsely timbered grasslands, arid scrublands and areas of stunted Eucalyptus.  Mulga parrots are fairly common throughout their range, but they have become scarce in areas that have been cleared for agriculture.  The mulga parrot is fully protected by Australian law.  Mulgas usually occur in pairs, feeding on the ground.  They are very quiet, occasionally uttering a string of three low chirping whistles.

    Mulga parrots have historically been a difficult bird to keep in captivity.  High mortality of wild caught birds and their refusal to nest in the aviary caused problems.  The stunning beauty of these birds was enough for aviculturists to persist, and this work has paid off.  In the US these birds can be obtained at a fair price.  It still takes some time to put together a compatible pair, and a clutch of babies one year is no guarantee they will nest again in the following year.  Over time I have managed to put together very good pairs that produce year after year, often double clutching.

    This is a moderately aggressive species that can only be kept in a mixed aviary if you are careful to add them last.  Even under these circumstances they are likely to attack other birds during the nesting season, particularly newly fledged babies.

PRICE

PAIRS:  $400    SINGLES:  $200

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