Bolborhynchus lineola (Cassin)
Lineolated Parakeet

Description: Overall green in colour;
details: forehead yellowish green with bluish tinge to crown; narrow black edge to feathers on nape and head in most birds; olive green flanks to breast and feathers edged greenish-black; broad black edging to tail-feathers; thighs yellowish green; black tip feathers on wing-coverts; under wing coverts bluish green; tail upper side dark green with broad black tips; bill horn coloured; legs and feet flesh coloured; cere whitish; grey skin around eyes.
Females may have less black colouration and immatures are duller with less intense markings they may have more blue on crown.
Length: Approximately 6 inches (16 cm).
Origination: Found in Mexico to bis Veraguas, Western Panama, Nominate species from Colombia and Venezuela. Temperament: Quite calm little birds, which are not usually kept as pets. Make an attractive addition to a mixed aviary of smaller birds.
Diet: Natural diet includes: Fruits; seeds; buds; berries may eat small insects and or their larvae. Breeding in captivity: Nest box needs to be 25 x 15 x 15 cm (10 x 6x 6 ins), entrance hole 5 cm. Breeding is best achieved in a colony system and is regularly successful. Pairs usually breed in May or June, average clutches are four-five eggs; incubation twenty-one days, fledging at approximately six weeks of age. A pair may breed up to three times in one season.

Bolborhynchus l. tigrinus
Barred Parakeet

Description: very similar to lineola but generally darker green; on average more black edging; often extensive black to bend of wings. Length: Approximately 6 inches (16 cm).
Origination: Andes region from north west Venezuela to Columbia; North west Ecuador to central Peru. Temperament: Quiet calm parakeet occasionally lively; twittering if excited.
Diet: In the wild as lineolated; In captivity feed a good seed mix of various millet, canary seed, oats, paddy rice, fruit, vegetables and green food; branches with fresh buds; egg food and biscuits for rearing.
Breeding in captivity: Nest box needs to be 25 x 15 x 15 cm. (10 x 6 x 6 ins), entrance hole 5 cm. Breeding is best achieved in a colony system and is usually successful. Pairs usually breed in May or June, average clutches are four-five eggs; incubation twenty-one days, fledging at approximately six weeks of age. A pair may breed up to three times in one season. Keep nest box inspection to a minimum as female broods mostly after laying second egg.
Accommodation for both these Parakeets: The best way to keep and rear these parakeets is using the colony system in a spacious outside flight. Allowing plenty of room for each pair (16 sq. feet) with adjoining shelter. The pairs need a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) when first imported and when acclimatised the temperature should not drop below 5°C (41°F). These parakeets will enjoy the chance of bathing, chewing and also a spray with water in good weather.