Turquoise Parrot

The Turquoise Parrot (Neophema pulchella) is a small, delicately structured parrot, measuring approximately 20 cm in length and weighing around 40 grams. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is resplendent with a bright turquoise blue face and a green body with yellowish underparts. His wings are a striking blue with red shoulders. The female, in contrast, is more subdued in coloration, with a pale green breast, yellow belly, and lacking the male's red wing patch.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Turquoise Parrot, look for the vibrant turquoise blue on the face, with the color being darkest on the crown and paler around the lores and cheeks. The wings are blue with a red shoulder patch. Females are generally duller with a paler blue face and no red shoulder band. Juveniles resemble the adult female but have less extensive blue on their faces.

Habitat

The Turquoise Parrot favors grasslands and open woodlands, particularly those dominated by Eucalyptus and Callitris trees. They show a preference for rocky ridges, gullies, and transitional areas between different habitats.

Distribution

Native to Eastern Australia, the Turquoise Parrot's range extends from southeastern Queensland through New South Wales and into northeastern Victoria. They are sedentary, though some populations may exhibit local nomadic behavior.

Behaviour

Turquoise Parrots are typically seen in pairs or small family groups. They may form larger flocks, especially outside the breeding season. These parrots are ground foragers and roost communally in trees during autumn and winter.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Turquoise Parrot include a high-pitched, soft contact call when feeding or in flight, and a zitting alarm call. They also chatter when settling to roost in the evening.

Breeding

The Turquoise Parrot is monogamous, with the male displaying his red and blue markings during courtship. Nesting occurs in hollows of gum trees, with the female laying two to five glossy white eggs. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge at around 23 days old in the wild.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily seed eaters, Turquoise Parrots forage on the ground for grass and shrub seeds. They also consume leaves, flowers, fruit, and occasionally scale insects. Their diet varies seasonally and includes seeds from a variety of plant species.

Conservation status

The Turquoise Parrot is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its population and range have fluctuated historically, with a significant decline in the early 20th century followed by a recovery. Habitat alteration and loss of nesting sites remain concerns for the species' conservation.