The red-rumped parrot, also known as the red-backed parrot or grass parrot, is a medium-sized broad-tailed parrot endemic to open woodland in south-eastern Australia, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. It is a highly sexually dimorphic species, with the adult female mainly being a greyish olive-green with lighter underparts and the adult male predominantly being a brightly coloured green and gold with various shades of blue on the wings. Only the adult male possesses the red rump that gives the species its common name.
Region
Southeast Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Murray–Darling Basin and adjacent regions, from inland open woodlands to grassy river flats and agricultural landscapes. Frequently seen in urban greenspaces, golf courses, and roadside verges where short grass provides feeding opportunities. Prefers areas with scattered trees or river red gums that offer nesting hollows and nearby open ground for foraging. Often stays close to watercourses and floodplains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Red-rumped parrots are common in open woodlands, farmlands, and urban parks across south-eastern Australia, where they often feed on the ground in small flocks. The species is strongly sexually dimorphic: males are vivid green and gold with a distinctive red rump, while females are duller olive-green and lack the bright red patch. They readily use tree hollows for nesting and often remain near water. Despite frequent presence in aviculture, they are not domesticated and maintain wild-type behaviors.
Female (left) and male (right) at Eastern Creek, New South Wales, Australia
A pair at a nest hollow in suburban Sydney, Australia
Male and female feeding on the ground
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight low over grass
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small flocks outside the breeding season, feeding communally on the ground. Pairs are typically monogamous and nest in tree hollows, often near water. The female incubates while the male guards and feeds her; both parents feed the chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are clear, whistled notes and soft tinkling chatter given in flight and while foraging. Males produce a sweeter, more musical series of chirps during courtship and when perched.
Plumage
Males are bright green with golden underparts, a vivid red rump, and blue tones on the wings and shoulders; tail long and tapered. Females are mostly greyish olive-green with paler underparts and lack the bright red rump, showing subtler blue on wings. Both sexes have a slender, pointed tail and smooth, sleek plumage.
Diet
Primarily consumes seeds of native grasses and herbs, along with spilled cereal grains in farmland. Also takes buds, flowers, and occasional leaf material. Forages mostly on the ground, picking seeds directly from plants or from short turf.
Preferred Environment
Open grassy areas with nearby scattered trees or wooded edges, including river flats, pastures, parks, and golf courses. Often feeds at the margins of tracks and on recently mown lawns where seeds are accessible.
