The Rock Parrot

Abstract

One of a series on the small Neopherna grass-parrots (Jarman 1965, 1968 and 1973), this paper outlines the history and present status of the Rock Parrot, Neopherna petrophila, its food, habits and habitat. A common species, it is confined to the coasts and islands of south and western Australia, rarely being out of sound of the sea. It breeds on small islands, using burrows, small niches or overhangs. Occasionally the nesting scrape is on the surface in dense undergrowth or among stones. After cessation of breeding, many of the parrots leave the islands and winter on the adjacent mainland and larger islands. They feed on native seeds and berries, sometimes visiting railyards in search of fallen grain.