Rock Parrot

The Rock Parrot, Neophema petrophila, is a small, unassuming species of grass parrot endemic to the rugged coastlines of Australia. With a length of 22–24 cm and a weight of 50–60 g, it boasts an olive-brown plumage on its upperparts, contrasting with the more yellowish tones of its underparts. The bird's head is adorned with light blue forecheeks and lores, and a striking dark blue frontal band line across the crown, flanked by lighter blue. Both sexes share a similar appearance, though the female may exhibit a less vibrant frontal band and reduced blue facial hues.

Identification Tips

To identify the Rock Parrot, look for the dark blue band across the upper forehead, bordered by light blue. The wings, when folded, reveal a two-toned blue leading edge. The tail is a distinctive turquoise with a yellow edge on its upper surface. Juveniles are duller with less distinct or absent blue frontal bands, and their primary flight feathers have yellow fringes.

Habitat

Rock Parrots favor rocky islands and coastal dune areas, often found within a stone's throw of the ocean's edge. They thrive in bare rocky grounds or low coastal shrublands, and may occasionally venture into nearby sand dunes and saltmarshes.

Distribution

This species is distributed from Lake Alexandrina in southeastern South Australia, westwards across the coastal regions of South and Western Australia to Shark Bay. It is a sedentary bird, with some individuals remaining year-round on the offshore islands where they breed.

Behaviour

Rock Parrots are typically seen in pairs or small groups, and can form larger flocks when conditions are favorable. They are ground-dwellers, often foraging in the early morning and late afternoon, and are known for their quiet demeanor. Their zitting contact call is a distinctive two-syllabled sound, with a louder alarm call when threatened.

Song & Calls

The Rock Parrot's call is a soft, two-syllabled 'zitting' sound, used both in flight and while feeding. The alarm call is a louder version of the contact call.

Breeding

Breeding habits are not extensively documented, but Rock Parrots are known to be monogamous and nest in burrows or rocky crevices, primarily on offshore islands. The female incubates the eggs, with the male providing food during this period. Chicks are altricial, requiring extensive care before fledging around 30 days of age.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of seeds from grasses and succulent plants. Rock Parrots forage on the ground, often in pairs or small groups, and can be approached relatively easily while feeding.

Conservation status

The Rock Parrot is currently listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, although its population is in decline. Threats include predation by feral animals and the impacts of climate change. Conservation efforts on islands such as Rottnest have included the use of artificial nesting sites and a breeding program to bolster numbers.

Aviculture

In captivity, the Rock Parrot is infrequently kept and rarely bred. They are considered less colorful and engaging than other parrot species, and sexing individuals can be challenging. They may become obese if fed a diet high in sunflower seeds.