For many nonbird people “small bird” typically conjures up the image of a budgie, lovebird or cockatiel, no matter if the bird is a good bit smaller with a short, blunted tail (parrotlet), a stockier, contoured body with thick barred feathering (lineolated parakeet) or a splendid pink bird (Bourke’s parakeet). Make no mistake, these colorful birds are redefining “small bird.”
Lineolated Parakeet
Most mistaken for: a budgie
What sets them apart: According to Kari Morton, owner of Indian Hills Windsong Aviary in Co (windsongaviary@comcast.net), lineolated parakeets prefer to foot it instead of flying. “In their natural habitat, they basically live in the treetops, and they prefer to walk on branches as opposed to flying.” Morton also pointed out that unlike budgies, lovebirds and cockatiels, these birds aren’t prone to being seed junkies; “If I put veggies on top of their seed, they’re going to eat the veggies before the seed.”
**For the full article, pick up the February 2008 issue of BIRD TALK**
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