The hooded parrot is a species of parrot native to the Northern Territory in Australia. It is found in savannah and open woodland and is one of two extant species in its genus that breed in termite mounds. It has declined from much of its original range.
Region
Northern Australia (Top End)
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in tropical savanna and open Eucalyptus and bloodwood woodland with abundant grass and active termite mounds. Prefers lightly wooded plains, edges of open forest, and areas with recent low-intensity burns that promote fresh seeding grasses. Often near permanent or seasonal watercourses where it comes to drink. Uses termite mounds for nesting and nearby open ground for feeding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The Hooded Parrot is one of only two living parrots known to nest in active termite mounds, excavating chambers where the termite-maintained humidity helps incubate eggs. It is confined to the Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory and favors open savanna with scattered trees and grass. Birds often travel to permanent water at dawn and dusk to drink. Fire and grazing regimes that alter grass seed availability and termite mound integrity can strongly influence local numbers.
A hooded parrot male in moulting plumage.
A pair in the Northern Territory, Australia
Female at Burgers' Zoo, Arnhem, Netherlands
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small loose flocks outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs excavate a nesting chamber into active termite mounds, lining the cavity sparingly. Breeding aligns with the monsoonal wet season when grass seed is abundant. Roosts in trees and often returns to favored water sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, tinkling whistles and chirruping contact calls. In flight it gives quick, metallic ‘tsee’ notes; alarm calls are sharper and more insistent.
Plumage
Male is bright with a glossy black hood, vivid turquoise-blue underparts, green upperparts, and blue rump; female is duller green overall with a bluish wash on the face and lacks the black hood. Both sexes show clean, smooth plumage with a sleek, lightly tapered tail.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of native grasses and herbs picked from the ground, including fallen seed heads in recently burned or grazed areas. Also takes some flowers, buds, and occasional soft fruits when available. Regular access to water is important, and birds often commute to reliable waterholes.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly on open ground in savanna and woodland clearings, along track edges, and around the bases of trees. Often forages in small groups where seeding grasses are dense.
