SPLENDID GRASS PARAKEET (Neophema Splendida) Probably even more popular than the Bourke’s or Turquoisine, huge numbers of Splendids are bred every year. A large proportion of birds are not particularly robust, combined with an aversion to cold wet weather and the proliferation of some form of virus, resulting in heavy losses each year. A smattering of good quality normal birds can still be found, though for just how long is a different matter. It can only be hoped that Grass Parakeet breeders will have the foresight to retain or even make up additional pairs of quality unrelated normal birds.


SWIFT PARAKEET (Lathamus Discolor)


Having been an incredibly rare species in the UK, it’s relatively free breeding nature resulted in a glut of birds over the last 7 or 8 years, with prices naturally dropping. Far fewer birds seem to be being offered for sale now, following the boom and bust cycle so often seen. Good quality birds are still around and hopefully at least a core of breeders will stick with them. A dull olive mutation has appeared, but has not proved popular.


Far fewer birds seem to be being offered for sale now, following the boom and bust cycle so often seen. Good quality birds are still around and hopefully at least a core of breeders will stick with them. A dull olive mutation has appeared, but has not proved popular.


44 BIRD SCENE


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