The Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella in the Yea and Yarra River Valleys, Central Southern Victoria

Abstract

The Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella is confined to south-eastern Australia. Its range, which has contracted since European settlement, includes north-eastern, eastern and central Victoria. This species was observed in central southern Victoria, part of its historical range, between August 1994 and February 1995.  The parrots' presence in that region during the mid 1990s probably related to drought conditions in Victoria during this time, rather than actual re-colonisation. Some observations made on the habitat, diet and behaviour of the Turquoise Parrots in central southern Victoria are described.