Psephotus haematonotus

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Family

Psittacidae

Genus

Psephotus

Species

haematonotus

Common Names

Red-rumped Parrot, Grass Parrot

Distinguishing Features

The Red-rumped Parrot is a medium bird of 26-28cm. The male bird is brightly coloured with a green head, yellow underbelly, blue-green tail and mostly blue wings. Its red rump is seen clearly as it spreads its wings. The female is a much duller olive green colour, providing a very good camouflage. Young birds are also dull in colour.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A sharp, metallic, scratchy and abrupt 'chwie-chwiep or a soft, soft whistle.

Similar Species

This parrot is smaller and less obvious than other common parrots in the region.

Distribution

This species is only found in the eastern corner of mainland Australia, throughout all of NSW, VIC and in SA to Adelaide.

Country of Origin

Australia.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

The population numbers have fluctuated over the past 20 years and are declining overall (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

Only moderate values were recorded in Civic West (West Basin surrounds) with low values in NMA, Black Mt. and ANU.

Associated vegetation community

This small ground-foraging parrot prefers open or lightly timbered grasslands, mallee forests and farmlands.

Limiting Resources

This species needs an area with a plentiful ground seed and water supply. Resources need to be a good distance away from roads and heavy traffic areas, as its ground foraging habitat leaves it susceptible to being hit. It requires an area free from predators such as domestic pets or European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes). It depends on nesting hollows that are also sought by the strong and growing population of Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis ) in the region.

Breeding

The female Red-rumped Parrot finds a suitable eucalypt tree hollow for nesting and lays about 5 white eggs. She incubates these for 3 weeks while being feed by the male. The young stay in the nest for one month and are cared for by both parents. In the Canberra region, nesting activities begin in mid September and end in late January.

Behaviour

These birds are most often seen feeding in large flocks on the ground under trees on ovals and nature strips. They are fairly sociable and are happy to feed with other medium-sized parrots, including Galahs (Cacatua roseicapilla ) and Eastern Rosellas (Platycercus eximius ).

Functional Group

Granivorous

Food Species

Red-rumped Parrots forage on the ground for seeds. They will also eat fruits, seeds and flowers on trees.

Predators

Domestic pets such as Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus) are known to injure or kill parrots. They are also susceptible to attacks from European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

Interesting Fact

These parrots are popular aviary birds and escaped birds are increasing the populations of wild birds around Sydney and the Central Coast NSW.