Mulga Parrot

The Mulga Parrot, Psephotellus varius, presents a striking figure in the arid landscapes of southern Australia. This medium-sized parrot, with a length of 27–32 cm and a wingspan of 30–42 cm, is a slim bird with a long tail, weighing between 50–60 grams. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is a kaleidoscope of colours, while the female is more subdued in her plumage.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Mulga Parrot, look for its bright green plumage with a bluish tinge on the neck and above the eye, and a paler breast. The rump is light green, and the forehead is yellow, complemented by a red patch on the back of the head. The lower belly and thighs are yellowish with orange-red markings, and the wings are green with yellow median wing coverts and blue outer webs of primaries. The tail is a mix of dark blue tinged with green and blue shading to white, with red on the upper tail coverts. The bill is blue-grey edged with black, and the iris is brown. The female, in contrast, has an olive-brown head and chest, a duller yellow forehead, and a red patch on the back of the head, with a pale green belly and a more brown-grey bill.

Habitat

The Mulga Parrot is typically found in arid grasslands and mulga scrublands, where it often moves about in pairs.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the interior of southern Australia, with its range extending from Western New South Wales through the northwestern tip of Victoria, across South Australia, and into the central regions of Western Australia.

Breeding

The Mulga Parrot is known to breed from July to December or after rainfall, raising one or occasionally two broods depending on the availability of water. They nest in tree hollows, where the female lays a clutch of four to six white eggs. During the breeding season, the female incubates the eggs for 18 to 21 days, with the male providing food during this period.

Conservation status

The Mulga Parrot is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival.