Orange-bellied Parrot

Neophema chrysogaster(Latham, 1790)

Critically EndangeredEndemic

Order: PSITTACIFORMES
Family: Psittaculidae
Genus: Neophema

Conservation: Critically Endangered
Commonness: Rare
Best seen: Year-round

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

The orange-bellied parrot is a small parrot endemic to southern Australia, and one of only three species of parrot that migrate. It was described by John Latham in 1790. A small parrot around 20 cm (8 in) long, it exhibits sexual dimorphism. The adult male is distinguished by its bright grass-green upper parts, yellow underparts and orange belly patch. The adult female and juvenile are duller green in colour. All birds have a prominent two-toned blue frontal band and blue outer wing feathers.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field specs

Length: 22–25 cm
Weight: 41–69 g
Wingspan: 32 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Watch for a solitary 'sentry' bird perched nearby while a group is feeding; this bird will emit a complex 'gurgle-buzz' call if threatened.

flight

Observe the bird in flight to see dark blue underwing coverts and flight feathers contrasting with paler blue median wing-coverts.

plumage

Look for the bright yellow outer feathers on the tail, which contrast sharply with the green-blue center when the tail is fanned during landing or takeoff.
In high-quality views, check the forehead for a 'sandwich' pattern: a dark blue horizontal band bordered by thin, light blue lines both above and below.

voice

Listen for a diagnostic, metallic buzzing contact call, usually a single note repeated every one to three seconds while the bird is in flight.
When flushed, listen for a quickly repeated 'tzeet' alarm call that has a distinctively grating or buzzing quality, rather than a musical whistle.

02 · Where

Where to find it

Breeding range: Coastal south-west Tasmania (south-east Australia)
Non-breeding range: To coastal south-east SA and west and central VIC (south-east Australia)

03 · When