grass parakeet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist / Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “grass parakeet” mean?
Any of several small, brightly coloured, long-tailed parrots native to Australia and neighbouring regions, often found in grasslands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of several small, brightly coloured, long-tailed parrots native to Australia and neighbouring regions, often found in grasslands.
A term sometimes used generally for any small, ground-feeding parakeet, often referring to species like the Bourke's parrot, elegant parrot, or scarlet-chested parrot, characterised by their habit of feeding on grass seeds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning; usage is consistent in ornithological contexts. 'Grass parakeet' is the standard term in both dialects for these specific birds.
Connotations
Neutral ornithological descriptor. No dialectal connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used almost exclusively by bird enthusiasts, aviculturists, and in zoological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “grass parakeet” in a Sentence
The [adjective] grass parakeet [verb] in the [noun].We observed a flock of grass parakeets [verb-ing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grass parakeet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in ornithological papers and field guides to describe a specific ecological grouping of parrots.
Everyday
Rare; used by birdwatchers and pet bird owners.
Technical
Used in aviculture, zoology, and conservation contexts to refer to species like the Bourke's parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii) or the genus Neophema.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grass parakeet”
- Spelling as one word: 'grassparakeet'.
- Confusing it with the common budgerigar.
- Using it as a general term for any small green parrot.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are small parrots from Australia, the budgerigar (budgie) is a different species (*Melopsittacus undulatus*). 'Grass parakeet' usually refers to other genera like *Neophema*.
Yes, some species like the Bourke's parrot are kept in aviculture. They require specialised care, spacious aviaries, and a diet suited to seed-eating birds.
The name derives from their primary habitat (grasslands) and their diet, which consists largely of grass seeds they forage from the ground.
They are endemic to Australia and some surrounding islands like Tasmania. Specific species have specific ranges within the continent's arid and semi-arid grassland regions.
Any of several small, brightly coloured, long-tailed parrots native to Australia and neighbouring regions, often found in grasslands.
Grass parakeet is usually specialist / ornithological in register.
Grass parakeet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrɑːs ˈpærəkiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræs ˈpɛrəkiːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small PARROT (parakeet) happily eating GRASS seeds in an Australian field.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly used metaphorically. Literal reference to a type of bird.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a grass parakeet?