© David Cook Wildlife Photography / CC BY 2.0Scarlet-chested Parrot
The Scarlet-chested Parrot is a small parakeet native to Australia's arid interior, prized for the male's deep blue face and vivid scarlet chest. At just 19-21cm long, this compact bird has a gentle temperament and is normally kept as a pair. Females lack the red chest entirely, making the sexes easy to tell apart at a glance. In the wild these birds forage for grass seeds on the ground, a natural behavior owners often enjoy observing even in captivity. While keeping one calls for some prior parrot experience, its soft calls and striking coloring make it a rewarding choice for anyone wanting to spend time with a small parrot.
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Scarlet-chested Parrot key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- About 10 years
- Size
- 19-21cm (36-44g)
- Diet
- Small seeds (canary seed, millet, small amounts of oats, buckwheat and safflower), greens, seeding grasses and pellets
- Cage
- A walk-in flight at least 2.1 m long is recommended, or 1.8 m indoors, with a vertical nest box about 15 x 15 x 30 cm, a bath dish, and clean sand for the birds to scratch in.
- Temperament
- Gentle and normally kept in pairs. It forages on the ground in the wild and spends much of its time on the floor of the aviary too.
- Vocalization
- In flight it gives soft two-syllable notes that in repetition sound like chirrups; flocks produce a soft continuous twitter, and the alarm call is a clear, sharper whistle.
- Notes
- Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. Because it feeds on the ground, floor hygiene and parasite control matter.
About Scarlet-chested Parrot
A small Australian parrot known for the male's vivid scarlet chest, growing 19-21cm (36-44g) and living around 10 years. Its gentle temperament suits intermediate-level keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Scarlet-chested Parrot
1Sexes Look Different
Males have a deep blue face and a vivid scarlet chest, while females lack the red chest and show a more muted overall color. Once mature, males and females are easy to tell apart at a glance.
2Gentle Temperament
These birds have a gentle temperament and are normally kept as a pair. They make soft calls in flight, but give a clear, sharp whistle-like call when alarmed, so consider the surroundings where you keep them.
3Prefers a Dry Setup
Native to Australia's arid interior, this species doesn't do well in hot, humid conditions. Keep the cage well-ventilated and avoid placing it somewhere humidity can build up.
4Forages on the Ground
In the wild, they descend to the ground to search for grass seeds. A diet based on small seeds, supplemented with leafy greens, seeded grasses and pellets, works well in captivity too.
5Needs a Roomy Aviary
Despite their small size, they spend a lot of time foraging on the ground, so a long walk-in aviary is recommended. Aim for at least 2.1m in length (1.8m indoors), and provide clean sand or soil for pecking at the ground.
6About a 10-Year Lifespan
Average lifespan is around 10 years, so keeping one is a long-term commitment. Make daily health checks a habit so you can catch changes in weight or appetite early.
7Best for Experienced Keepers
This breed is generally considered suited to keepers with some parrot experience rather than complete beginners. Research its diet and housing needs in advance and prepare the right setup before bringing one home.
Frequently asked questions about Scarlet-chested Parrot
- Q.Is this parrot suitable for beginners?
- A.It's generally considered a breed for intermediate keepers with some parrot experience. First-time owners should research its care needs thoroughly before bringing one home.
- Q.How do males and females differ?
- A.Males have a vivid scarlet chest, while females lack the red chest and appear more subdued overall. Adults are easy to sex just by looking at them.
- Q.How big do they get?
- A.Adults reach about 19-21cm in length and weigh roughly 36-44g, making this a small parrot. Despite the compact size, they're quite active.
- Q.How long do they live?
- A.Average lifespan is around 10 years. Since this is a long-term commitment, consistent daily health monitoring is important.
- Q.Are they noisy?
- A.In flight they give a soft two-note call, and in a group they make a series of small calls. When alarmed, the call becomes a clear, sharp whistle. Individual birds vary, so it helps to talk to experienced keepers before bringing one home.
Useful tools for Scarlet-chested Parrot care
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