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Red-Rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus |
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other names Grass Parrot or Red-Backed Parrot DESCRIPTION Male: Head and neck are a brilliant emerald green colour, darkening down the back and a brick red colour on the rump. Chest is paler green and underparts are yellow. Tail pale green darkening to the tip. Female: Pale grey-green in colour. Rump and tail green. Bend of wing is blue-ish in colour. Underparts dull white. Juvenile: Similar in colour to the female. Voice: Sharp, metallic, scratchy, squeaky, abrupt "chwie-chwiep, chwie-chwiep"; long squeaked "chwieeee". Also lower, husky "chwier-querrk". The Red-Rumped Parrot is common in NSW, Victoria, and the eastern region of South Australia but absent from coastal areas. It prefers sparsely timbered grassland, open plains and farmland. The parrot is a sedentary and mates for life, but is often seen in large flocks up to 100 or more. It's diet includes blossoms from native plants, grass seeds, grains and flower seeds. The breeding period is from August to January in the Southern areas and after rain in inland areas. It nests in tree hollows lined with wood dust, preferably near water and lays between 2 and 6 eggs which are incubated by the female for about 20 days. Young fledge in approximately 5 weeks. |
