Elegant Parrot

The Elegant Parrot, Neophema elegans, is a charming bird, measuring a modest 23 cm in length. It boasts a golden olive plumage, with a striking dark blue frontal band edged with a lighter blue. The abdomen and vent are a vibrant yellow, adding a splash of color to its appearance. The wings carry the olive hue with the outer flight feathers dipped in dark blue. The tail, edged in yellow, displays a blend of olive and blue. A grey bill and legs, along with dark brown eyes, complete the elegant parrot's palette. The female, slightly less vivid, wears a duller olive and a narrower blue frontal band. Juveniles are more subdued in color and lack the distinctive frontal bands.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Elegant Parrot, look for the golden olive body, the dark blue frontal band with lighter blue edges, and the yellow underparts. The wings are primarily olive with dark blue flight feathers. The tail feathers are edged in yellow and exhibit shades of olive and blue. The grey bill and legs, along with dark brown eyes, are also characteristic. Females are less colorful than males, and juveniles are duller with an absence of frontal bands.

Habitat

This species is endemic to Australia, favoring habitats across southwestern Australia and southeastern South Australia, including Kangaroo Island. It thrives in regions north to Marree and east into western Victoria.

Distribution

The Elegant Parrot is found in two distinct regions: southwestern Australia from Moora to Merredin and Esperance, and southeastern South Australia extending north to Marree and east into western Victoria.

Breeding

The breeding season for the Elegant Parrot can occur from July to November or after significant rainfall. They may raise one or occasionally two broods, depending on the rainfall. Nesting takes place in a hollow more than 15 meters above the ground in a eucalypt tree, typically along a watercourse or within a stringybark forest. The female lays a clutch of four to six round white eggs, each measuring 21 x 18 mm.

Conservation Status

The Elegant Parrot is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, it does not face a significant threat of extinction in the wild.