The Baraband Parakeet; a Superb Parrot!

A vibrant parakeet, the baraband, Polytelis swainsonii, also known as the
superb parrot, originates from Australia. The baraband's elegant demeanor is
heightened by its slender shape and long tapering tail, which is predominately a
soft shade of bright green. Males of the species have a rich shade of yellow on
the forehead and crown. That shade is repeated in a large area covering the
cheeks and throat. A flaring broad crescent of light, bright red frames the lower
boundaries of yellow on the throat, while the beak is a slightly duller shade of
red.

Female and immature birds lack the yellow and red markings of the mature
male. Females are less numerous than males and are often difficult to identify
because of their resemblance to the young male - many breeders have found
that, just as they begin to dream of nesting successes, their "females" suddenly
mature into males. This color change typically takes place between 12 and 18
months of age. Breeders should purchase females that are approximately 2
years old to be certain of their gender.

In its native Australia, the baraband is indigenous to the interior of New South
Wales in the range of the River Murrumbidgee, and in northern Victoria. They
are usually found along the narrow wooded strips alongside the river and rarely
stray far from the water. Thanks to artificial irrigation in the regions'
grain-farming areas, however, the habitat of the baraband has spread during
the last few decades. That range of distribution is still quite small, but where
they do occur the baraband is very common - flocks of up to 50 birds have
been observed.

During breeding season, which occurs from December to September in the wild,
the birds are typically observed in groups of eight to 10. Nests are located
inside high, hollow branches, well outside the range of land-bound predators.
Males often leave the flock in smaller groups during breeding season to provide
their females with food. Dietary preferences include various seeds - including
grasses, alfalfa, nettles, thistles, shepherd's purse and cranesbill - as well as
grain stolen from area farms. Berries and flower nectar round out the diet of the
bird in the wild.

In captivity, the baraband parakeet requires a diet of seed mixes fortified with
vitamins and minerals suitable for small hookbills or cockatiels and/or a suitable
pelleted or extruded diet. Fresh fruit, dark-green leafy vegetables, spray millet
and corn (especially when feeding young) are also a necessary part of the diet
for pet barabands. (Read Adding Fresh Fruits and Vegetables to Your
Cockatiel's Diet, which also applies to Barabands). All birds should be provided
with fresh cuttlebone and fresh water.

Those wishing to breed the baraband parakeet in captivity should house pairs
separately in long, spacious aviaries so they don't become overly fat. Although
sexual maturity is already attained at the age of 1, birds do not normally begin
to breed until they are 2 to 3 years old. For increased breeding success,
maintain slight humidity in the nesting area. The female typically produces four
to six eggs, with an incubation period of approximately 20 days and a nestling
period of 30 days.

An eye should be kept on the male once the chicks fledge, to be certain he
does not become prematurely aggressive and harm the young in his desire to
start a new nest. Fledglings must also be watched carefully because their initial
attempts to fly can produce uncoordinated movements that can result in injury.
For this reason, it is important not to startle the young birds. This period of
clumsiness generally does not last long, however, and young birds become
proficient flyers after only a few days of effort.

Once the baraband parakeet reaches maturity, the awkwardness of youth
becomes a distant memory. By all accounts, the baraband parakeet is a joy to
keep and observe, mixing a good-natured demeanor with a hardy, enduring
physical condition. The birds have long been prized for their ability to grow tame
quickly, and they are peaceful with other congenial birds.

The baraband parakeet's beauty was recognized at the 1999 National Cage
Bird Show, the largest bird show in the United States, held during November in
Buffalo, New York. In a historic decision, a baraband won Best Parrot in
Division, the American Federation of Aviculture Natiional Show Award for Best
Bred & Banded by Exhibitor, and the Scannell Award for overall Best Bird in
Show. This marked the first time any one bird won all three of the show's most
prestigious awards, and the first time for any parrot to earn all three. A
remarkable achievement for a truly superb bird!

The Baraband Parakeet
A Superb Parrot
By Linda S. Rubin
Copyright © 2000 Linda S. Rubin
First Published in the April 2000 issue of BIRD TIMES Magazine

THE BARABAND PARAKEET
A Superb Parrot!
Copyright © 2000 Linda S. Rubin
All Rights Reserved

Ultimate Parrot
Guide
by
Linda S. Rubin

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Households
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Linda S. Rubin

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