The rock parrot is a species of grass parrot native to Australia. Described by John Gould in 1841, it is a small parrot 22–24 cm long and weighing 50–60 g with predominantly olive-brown upperparts and more yellowish underparts. Its head is olive with light blue forecheeks and lores, and a dark blue frontal band line across the crown with lighter blue above and below. The sexes are similar in appearance, although the female tends to have a duller frontal band and less blue on the face. The female's call also tends to be far louder and more shrill than the male's. Two subspecies are currently recognised.
Region
Southern Australia
Typical Environment
Found along the southwestern and southern coasts of Australia, including offshore islands from Western Australia to South Australia. It favors open coastal habitats such as dune systems with spinifex, low heath, coastal scrub, and saltmarsh/samphire flats. Birds often remain close to the shoreline but will move inland to adjacent saline flats and open grasslands to feed. Nesting occurs in natural cavities, including tree hollows, stumps, and rock crevices near the coast.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The rock parrot is a quiet, coastal grass parrot of southern Australia that often goes unnoticed as it forages low among dune vegetation and saltmarsh. It frequently uses offshore islands and sparsely vegetated shores, and may nest in tree hollows or rock crevices. Two subspecies are recognized, differing slightly in size and coloration across the western and southern parts of its range. Females typically give a louder, sharper call than males.
Juvenile rock parrot facing camera feeding on grass
Subspecies zietzi, Port Lincoln
Pair of rock parrots at Cape Leeuwin on the grounds of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Western Australia.
Eating a succulent
Temperament
quiet and wary, often discreet
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small, loose flocks that feed on the ground or low vegetation. Pairs are monogamous and defend a small area around the nest. Nests are placed in hollows of coastal trees or stumps, and sometimes in crevices among rocks; clutches typically contain 3–5 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, thin chirps and tinkling notes, often given in short series during flight. Calls are generally subdued, though females can produce louder, sharper contact calls.
