Ground Parrot

Overview

The ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus) is a medium-sized parrot endemic to Australia and one of only four ground-dwelling parrot species in the world. It is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, though specific subspecies face severe conservation threats.

Identification

• Grass green plumage with black streaking on the head and hindneck, featuring prominent pale-yellow wing bars and black and yellow barring on the abdomen, thighs and under-tail coverts.
• Distinguishing bright red band above the dark grey cere, with flesh-pink feet and legs and pale yellow irises.
• Characteristic dusk and dawn call consisting of a clear whistling sequence of notes that rise in pitch before fading; the bird is silent in flight.
• Medium-sized parrot growing up to 30 cm long and weighing approximately 80 grams.

Habitat

Endemic to Australia, the species occupies fragmented populations in coastal heathland or sedgeland with dense foliage cover in south-eastern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. The western subspecies inhabits low, dry or swampy heathland in southern Western Australia, while the Tasmanian subspecies is found in Tasmania, which hosts the largest population.

Did you know?

Unlike most Australian parrots that nest in tree hollows, the ground parrot nests on the ground in a shallow depression under a low, dense cover of vegetation such as sedges, ferns, and shrubs.