Rock Pebbler aka Regent Parrot

Latin Name:  

Description

The parrot is also known variously as the Rock Pebbler, Black-tailed Parakeet, Smoker, Marlock Parakeet and sometimes Regent Parakeet. 
While the western subspecies (Polytelis anthopeplus anthopeplus) is listed as "lower risk" or "least concern"[1], the eastern subspecies (Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides) is listed as endangered.[2]
Reproduction
The female broods 3-8 eggs for approximately 21 days. During this period she seldom departs from the nest, if at all, and is fed by the male. When the young have hatched, they are cared for by both the male and female. During this period, they can be fed several times their normal portion of feed, which they readily convey to their young. The young begin to fly at about 5 weeks. Sexual maturity is reached at about 2 years of age. 
Diet
Captive Regent Parrots thrive on chopped mixtures for large parrots. They also like eggfood, fruit, sprouting seeds and a small assortment of insects. An occasional fresh willow or fruit tree branch to "spruce up" their quarters seems to please the birds. The Regent Parrot is naturally hardy, so being careful to protect them from drafts and the like is unnecessary. That said, however, they should be protected from excessive cold, as such is uncommon in their natural habitat. 

The endangered Rock Pebbler occurs throughout the eastern mallee region. It breeds between September and November in the riverine woodlands along the Murray River between Buronga and Balranald in the far south west of NSW. 
Like all parrot species, the Rock Pebbler requires tree hollows in eucalyptus trees to breed. These birds choose River Red Gums within close proximity to large areas of mallee, within which they feed. 

Average Lifespan

The average life span for a Rock Pebbler is approximately 20 - 25 years. The main reason that birds die young is because of either accidents or bad nutrition! Don't let your pet become a statistic! Read as much as you can to make your home bird friendly and bird safe, clip those wings, and follow good nutritional practices.

Length

The Rock Pebbler grows to approximately 14½-16½" (37-42 cm) in length

Sexing

Exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male bird is generally yellow, with several shades on the head; its back is generally a collection of colorful shades of green; its beak generally red. The female is generally more green, overall, especially in the head and body. The tail is green, although the underparts are black. 

Trainability

They have a quiet voice and great speech and mimicry potential.

Loudness

When it comes to noise, these guys are relatively quiet.  They are great for apartments as they are very, very quiet.  They have sweet, soft voices and speak pretty clearly. They can learn to whistle very well and can even be taught tunes.

Pet Potential

Handfed Rock Pebblers make great pets.  One of their main activities is sitting and watching what is going on around them.  They enjoy being with people rather than being petted.  So they are not a cuddly type bird but love socialization. They will enjoy sitting on your shoulder or playstand and just being near you, even if you are doing something else.  When given toys at a young age, they will eagerly play with them.  Suitable type toys designed for a cockatiel is great, as they are not hard chewers.

Cage

For housing, rock pebbler need a large cage of minimum 20 x 20 due to the long tails.  Larger is highly recommended.

Diet

A good pellet suitable for small parrots is good.  I leave a bowl of pellets available at all times.  They also enjoy a veg./grain mix with beans, and various seasonal fruit and vegetables (apples, oranges, grated beets and carrots, spinach, corn peas, squash, grapes, sweet potatoes, etc.). Occasional seed mix suitable for lovebirds/cockatiels.  Avoid mixes with a lot of sunflower seeds, as this is too much fat.  The higher quality of seed mix have less sunflower seeds.