Mulga Parrot
(Psephotus varius)

This bird is also known as the Many-Colored Parakeet due to their multi-colored feathers.  The name 'Mulga' is from a type of Acacia tree found in the interior of Australia.  This species is native to the South-Western parts of Australia.  The cock birds are very attentive towards their mates and as well as mutual preening, the cock will always ensure that the hen is well fed and will also feed the chicks in the box after the first week.  In the wild all Australian parakeets are known to eat charcoal and small grains of sand, especially after a scrub or forest fire.  If separated for any length of time they will call endlessly to one another.  The Mulga lays between 3-6 eggs and incubation takes approximately 19-20 days.  When the young birds leave the nest box after 28 days they are usually very calm, unlike the Bourkes' parakeet chicks, which may be flighty and nervous.  In the wild they breed from August thru December (spring and summer in Australia.)  The Aboriginal name for this species is jurliny.