The orange-bellied parrot is a small parrot endemic to southern Australia, and one of only three species of parrot that migrate. It was described by John Latham in 1790. A small parrot around 20 cm (8 in) long, it exhibits sexual dimorphism. The adult male is distinguished by its bright grass-green upper parts, yellow underparts and orange belly patch. The adult female and juvenile are duller green in colour. All birds have a prominent two-toned blue frontal band and blue outer wing feathers.
Region
Southern Australia and Tasmania
Typical Environment
Breeds in coastal and near-coastal button grass plains and eucalypt forest edges of southwest Tasmania, particularly around Melaleuca. In winter it moves to coastal saltmarshes and dune systems in Victoria and South Australia, frequenting areas with abundant samphire and seablite. It also uses adjacent coastal pastures and estuarine margins while foraging. Habitat quality and continuity of saltmarsh are critical, and birds often feed on open ground among low halophytic vegetation.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of only three parrot species known to undertake regular migration, breeding in southwest Tasmania and wintering on the mainland coast. It is Critically Endangered, with intensive recovery programs including captive breeding and release. Males show a bright orange belly patch and a two-toned blue frontal band, while females are duller. It was first described by John Latham in 1790.
Female or male
Nesting boxes intended for use by orange-bellied parrots in Melaleuca, South West Tasmania
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
fast, low direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forms pairs during the breeding season, nesting in tree hollows near open button grass plains. In winter, small flocks gather at rich feeding sites in coastal saltmarsh. Generally monogamous with clutches of 3–6 eggs, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched tinkling calls and thin whistles, often given in flight. Contact calls are brief and subtle, aiding flock cohesion over saltmarsh. Song is relatively quiet compared to many parrots.
Plumage
Grass-green upperparts with yellow underparts and a distinct orange belly patch; wings show blue outer feathers and shoulder highlights.
Diet
Feeds primarily on seeds and buds of saltmarsh and coastal plants, including samphires (Tecticornia/Salicornia), seablites (Suaeda), and sea lavender. Also takes seeds of grasses and sedges, and occasionally flowers. Foraging is mostly on or near the ground, picking seeds from low vegetation and bare patches.
Preferred Environment
Coastal saltmarsh, samphire flats, dune swales, and estuarine margins with low halophytic vegetation. In the breeding range, also uses open button grass plains and nearby clearings.
