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Rüppel's parrot, orRueppell'sparrot(Poicephalus rueppellii)
Phylum —chordata
Class — aves
Order — psittaciformes
Family — psittacidae
Genus – poicephalus
Appearance
Rüppell's parrot is 22–25 cm (9 in) long and weighs 121–156 g. It has an overall dark brown color and its head is dark greyish. Both adult male and female birds have some yellow feathers on the leading edge of the wings, and yellow feathers covering their upper legs; in immature birds, the yellow is dull or missing. They are sexually dimorphic; adult female birds have blue feathers on the lower back and the rump, whilst male birds lose this blue feather coloration as they become mature.
Habitat
The Rueppell's parrot is endemic in Southwestern Africa, specifically central Namibia and southwest Angola to Luanda.
Behavior
They are usually seen in small flocks of up to 20 - but more can congregate in areas where food is plentyful.
Rüppell's parrots are generally quieter than the other Poicephalus parrots. Their contact calls are described as monotonous, quick and sharp notes; while their alarm calls are shrieks increasing in pitch.
Diet
Their natural diet varies according to the time of the year. They eat a range of plants and occasionally insects.
Reproduction
In their natural habitat, Rüppell's parrots nest in tree cavities, either natural or excavated by woodpeckers. The breeding season usually commences in January and continues until June. The average clutch consists of 3 to 5 white eggs, which are incubated by the female for about 24 to 30 days. The chicks leave the nest when they are about 68 days old.
In captivity
The reported maximum longevity in captivity is 34.3 years.
Rüppell’s parrot is a robust bird that will prove to be a healthy and strong pet. Most Poicephalus breeds are not too demanding in terms of care they require. But if neglected, they can develop a few common issues, like loss of feathers, apathy and, psittacine beak. With attention to details and optimal living conditions, these problems won’t bother your precious pet.
For your pet, besides the commercial seed based mix, you can add a variety of cooked foods, such as beans and pulses, corn and other vegetables. Provide a lot of parrot toys – these birds can get quite mischievous at times, so you’ll need to make sure they spend that energy productively.
Rüppell’s parrot is a very affectionate pet, with a tendency to develop a strong bond with one particular owner. They will depend on social interaction and will enjoy your attention more than anything. Tickles and cuddles are a treat for them and they’ll welcome handling. These adorable birds are fun, goofy and very friendly. They are perfect for single owners, as their devotion to one person can lead to jealousy towards other family members. With their many lovely qualities and impressive lifespan, they can be a good choice for companions.
