Scarlet Chested Parrot

Scarlet Chested Parrot General Info

These lovely little parrots are the most popular ambassadors of the Australian Grass parrot family. They charmed Australia in no time and their popularity is quickly spreading to other corners of the world. The reason for this is their friendly personality and their remarkably pretty plumage. The Scarlet Chested Parrot is great for aviaries and small apartments. They also do well with other similar birds, such as Bourke’s Parakeet, or Zebra and Gouldian Finch. With Scarlet Chested Parrot, you’re guaranteed a small, adorable, and loyal feathered friend. Let’s find out more about these cuties!

Australian Grass parrots are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and the Scarlet Chested Parrot is one of the prettiest in the family.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

These colorful birds inhabit a region that spans parts of Southern and Western Australia as well as New South Wales. They thrive in a variety of climates including dry interior areas, Eucalyptus woodland, arid sparse growth, and forest edges. These birds are a ground feeding species, preferring grass seeds. They also travel around the land from one water source to another, often in very large flocks. Although Scarlet Chested Parrot is not endangered, there has been some decline in New South Wales.

Overall Description

Most grass parrots have similar physical traits, often resembling smaller parakeets. The distinct chubby physique, small head, and long tapered tail are key details. The adults reach an average length of 8 inches (20 centimeters) and can weigh just shy of 2 ounces (45 grams). Remember that a big part of their overall length is the tail. This means that Scarlet Chested Parrot is even smaller than you’d expect. Naturally, they will do quite well in an apartment and an average-sized cage. They are energetic, though, so plenty of time around the house is absolutely required.

Speech and Sounds

Another trait that makes the Scarlet Chested Parrot a great apartment pet is that they’re relatively quiet. They aren’t really vocal, and they possess moderate natural calls that consist of chirps, tweets, and melodic songs. All of these are easy to tolerate and won’t bother your neighbors. Like many small birds, they too are receptive to songs, music, and whistling. Their reactions are often silly and hilarious. They also tend to murmur and chatter to themselves – another funny aspect that adds to the charm and personality of the Scarlet Chested Parrot.

Colors

While all Australian Grass parrots are pretty and flaunt bright and vibrant colors, the Scarlet Chested Parrot puts them all to shame. With their incredibly flamboyant and colorful looks, they are hard to overlook. The males have a strikingly rich blue head and neck, a deep scarlet red chest, and yellow belly and thighs. The lower half of the wings are pale, icy blue, while the upper half and the back are deep green. The females are quite different. Their head has less blue and more brown, the chest and wings are green and the abdomen and thighs are bright yellows. With all these tiny details and rich, vibrant colors, the Scarlet Chested Parrot is truly one of a kind- and incredibly charming.

The rich coloring of its plumage is one of the most striking qualities of this tiny bird.

Care and Feeding

Australian Grass parrots are the so-called grass parakeets. This means that they will naturally feed in tall grass, eating a variety of specific seeds. For your Scarlet Chested Parrot, your first choice should be a commercial seed mix that is designed for small birds or parakeets specifically. Similar mixes for budgies, turquoise parrots or even lovebirds, could work as well. This diet should be enriched with a variety of small nuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Another recommendation is a cuttlebone. It offers a variety of proteins, and more importantly- calcium.

Health and Common Conditions

With all pet parrots that are relatively rare or new in aviculture, there are always new grounds to explore. Scarlet Chested Parrot is one of those breeds that will require a bit more care than average birds. If not properly cared for or given enough attention, they can be fragile. Granted, with enough patience and good care, they can live without any issues, for 15 or more years. This makes them a great companion for seniors, singles, and families alike.

Ensure a proper and balanced diet, good living conditions and a lot of attention, and you will have a hardy, long-lived little parrot.

Personality & Behavior

Most owners instantly fall in love with the quiet and friendly personality of the Scarlet Chested Parrot. They are really sociable and get along well with other smaller birds. Their small size also makes them a perfect choice for people living in small apartments.

With an affectionate, charming pet such as this one, you won’t ever feel lonely. From their cuddly behavior, all the way to the silly tricks, Scarlet Chested Parrot doesn’t fail to brighten every day. Whether it’s their sweet nature or sociable personality that attracts you to this rare breed, you’re bound to be impressed. However you look at it, Scarlet Chested Parrot is a pet bird worth having in your life.

Photo credit: Chris Hill/Shutterstock; Samantha Hopley/Shutterstock