Princess Parrots aka Princess of Wales, Queen Alexandra Parrot, Queen Alexandra's Parakeet, Spinifex Parrot, Rose Throated Parrot, Yellow Princess Parrots
Splendour Parrots
The elegant Princess Parrot originates from Central and Western Australia and today, is rarely seen in the wild. They have grown to be one of the favorites among aviculturists and pet owners, based on their lovely personality and striking looks. Hand reared males are reported to make the best pets. The long, tapering tail Princess Parrot is elegant and gives this glorious pastel shaded bird a most regal appearance.
The Princess of Wales Parakeet is often described as gentle and relatively quiet - compared to some of the larger parrots. However they are capable of producing considerable amounts of noise, and may not be suitable for all households. The Princess of Wales Parakeet is quite intelligent and some will even talk and mimic whistles.
Talking Abilities (compared to other species)
The Princess Parrot in Aviculture:
The Princess of Wales Parakeet has gained a reputation for being hardy, which makes them a good choice for beginning aviculturists. They enjoy warm conditions, although they are able to tolerate cold conditions well. While not being excessively loud, the Princess Parrot is a particularly good whistler and generally easily tamed.
Princess Parrots are particularly susceptible to worm infestation and must be wormed regularly.
Striking mutations have occurred:
Information & Below Chart by: |
| Princess Parrot Polytelis alexandrae |
| Size: Up to 45cm in length |
| Pet Status: Excellent |
| Talking Ability: Moderate |
| Noise Level: Moderate |
| Lifespan: 20-30 years |
| Breeding Ability: Good |
| Courtship Display: Male will make an incessant single note call, raising his head with each call. Hen will lower head and body in line with perch, bobbing slightly. |
| Number of Eggs: 4-6 shiny eggs |
| Incubation: 21 days |
| Compatibility with other species: Good |
| Feeding: Seed and Fruit eaters |
| Health Programmes: Follow the Parrot Health Programme. |
| Sexing: Male has a more pronounced blue and longer tail than the female. Surgical or DNA sexing may be required prior to sexual maturity |
Breeding / Propagation:
Females usually reach sexual maturity some time before they are one year old, while males are ready for breeding when they are about two.
Breeding season will usually begin in September and generally ends in December. However, some breeders report that breeding season will begin in March - depending on the area they live in.
The average clutch size ranges from 3 to 6 eggs. The incubation period lasts for 18 to 20 days. Only the females incubate the eggs.
Aviay Notes
The Princess Parrot can be successfully bred using the colony system (more than one pair per flight). They require a four to five metre long by one to two metres wide aviary to keep them comfortable and happy. Plenty of logs and nest boxes should be made available for breeding.
Information from: Dr. Rob Marshall
Description:
Plumage is olive-green; crown and nape slightly bluish; forehead, throat and cheeks pinkish-red; breast and abdomen bluish-green; upper tail-coverts and rump violet-blue; under tail-coverts olive-yellow; back and wings pale olive-green; wing-coverts bright yellowish-green; third primary with elongated spatule tip to feather; tail underside blackish with pinkish-red inner webs; bill reddish; skin to narrow periophthalmic ring grey; iris orange; feet grey.
Female with paler crown and greyish-blue upper tail-coverts; third primary without elongated tip; wing-coverts more greenish; tail on average shorter.
Immatures as female; young males attain full adult plumage from 14 to 18 months; often begin early with courtship display behavior (singing, dilating and contracting pupils)
Length: 40 cm (15.5 ins)
Taxonomy:
Genus: Scientific: Polytelis ... English: Splendour Parakeets ... Dutch: Prachtparkieten ... German Prachtsittiche ... French: Perruche magnifique 
Species: Scientific: Polytelis alexandrae aka Spathopterus alexandrae ... English: Princess Parrot, Queen Alexandra's Parrot ... Dutch: Prinses van Wales Parkiet ... German: Prinzessin von Wales Sittich, Blaukappensittich ... French: Perruche Princesse de Galles
CITES II - Endangered Species
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