Parrot Compass

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Parrot Compass

Bourke's Parrot as a pet

Neopsephotus bourkii

Photo: Bourke's Parrot as a pet
Photo: Christopher Watson (http://www.comebirdwatching.blogspot.com/), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons · cropped · source

In short

This species may suit you if you want a bird with a relatively soft call, have room for an enclosure in class ‘medium’ and can care for the bird for up to about 20 years [S35, S56]. Biggest trade-off: the EU Annex B paperwork, with proof of legal origin [S40]. The perfect parrot doesn’t exist: a species profile is no guarantee about your bird.

This information was compiled with AI from public sources and may contain errors. Always check legal rules with the competent authority. Not buying, veterinary or legal advice.

Does this species suit you? Take the guided route

Talking

‘Rarely learn to talk’ [S56].

Noise

Call described as a ‘soft twitter’ [S56] — relative, not a measurement.

Lifespan

10–15 years in captivity, sometimes longer [S56].

Space

Flemish parakeet guideline per pair: small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm, larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm [S35]; the page does not explicitly classify this species, so the larger class is used here to be safe. Length about 19 cm [S56].

Suitable for beginners?

‘Particularly popular among new bird owners’ (secondary source) [S56].

Costs

From €240 per year per bird. Flemish Huisdierwijzer pet guide (parakeets S35 / lovebirds S36): about €20 per bird per month × 12. Price level unknown; not a full budget or quote.

Paperwork and rules in Belgium

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it [S40]. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years [S39]. Status as of 27 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health [S39].

Adoption and availability

Not seen on the rescue pages we read.

What you have to accept

  • EU Annex B: ask the seller for proof of legal origin and keep it [S40].
  • Adoption: not seen on the rescue pages we read; availability changes.

Compare with

Source basis

Secondary source + Flemish parakeet group

Guideline sizes, costs and adoption listings come from Flemish sources; different rules may apply in Brussels and Wallonia. Foreign housing rules are not Belgian rules.

Sources

Sources checked as of:

Frequently asked questions

Which papers do you need for the Bourke's Parrot in Belgium?

EU Annex B (CITES II). Ask the seller for proof of legal origin (invoice, transfer declaration; EU model recommended) and keep it. According to the FPS, anyone who buys, sells or breeds these birds keeps a register of arrivals and departures and keeps it for at least 5 years. Status as of 27 September 2026; check the current rules for your bird with the Belgian FPS Public Health.

How long does the Bourke's Parrot live?

10–15 years in captivity, sometimes longer.

How loud is the Bourke's Parrot?

Call described as a ‘soft twitter’ — relative, not a measurement.

Can the Bourke's Parrot learn to talk?

‘Rarely learn to talk’.

How much space does the Bourke's Parrot need?

Flemish parakeet guideline per pair: small species 100 × 80 × 50 cm, larger species 150 × 150 × 80 cm; the page does not explicitly classify this species, so the larger class is used here to be safe. Length about 19 cm.

Is the Bourke's Parrot suitable for beginners?

‘Particularly popular among new bird owners’ (secondary source).