The Turquoise Parrot

Abstract

The history of the Turquoise Parrot, Neophema pulchella, its past and present status, and its distribution is discussed. It was common in parts of south-eastern Australia up to 1900, and then declined in numbers and was thought to be on the verge of extinction. However, it is once again becoming common in some parts of Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland. Records for South Australia are very doubtful.

Usually a terrestrial feeder, it eats the seeds of grasses, shrubs and weeds, spilled grain and moss spores. Drinking water must be available. It prefers lightly forested hills and the margins of woodland and timbered streams. The female is similar to the female Scarlet-chested Parrot, N. splendida, a species usually confined to more arid regions in the western half of Australia.