The Orange-breasted Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster)

Abstract

In this paper, an attempt has been made to define the past and present distribution of the Orange-breasted Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) in south-eastern South Australia, western Victoria and Tasmania. An apparently isolated, extinct (?) population near Sydney is noted.

Comparisons with other species of the genus Neophema are given and the difficulty of differentiation in the field remarked upon. Many records attributed to chrysogaster probably refer to related species.

While Orange-breasted Parrots are seen in their known range in the autumn, winter and spring months, they disappear in summer and their destination is unknown. Nesting records are few, but it is assumed that breeding takes place in mid-summer.

A very rare species, this Parrot is seldom seen away from the coast.