Bourke’s Parrots are mostly ground-feeding parrots. They are often seen in pairs or small flocks, foraging for grass seeds, herbs, and occasionally fruits or insects. They are most active at dawn and dusk, making them crepuscular, which is unusual for parrots.

During breeding season Bourke’s Parrots nest in tree hollows. The female lays 3 to 6 eggs, which she incubates alone for about 18–20 days. The male feeds her during incubation and helps feed the chicks once hatched. Young parrots fledge about four weeks after hatching, and may stay with their parents for some time before joining larger flocks.

Rosy Bourke’s Parrots are a colour mutation. This colour variant is not a separate species, but rather a different form from the wild Bourke’s Parrot. While beautiful, Rosy Bourke’s Parrots do not exist in the wild and are not representative of the natural population.

Although currently listed as Least Concern, Bourke’s Parrots are affected by habitat degradation and invasive predators.