The turquoise parrot is a species of parrot in the genus Neophema native to Eastern Australia, from southeastern Queensland, through New South Wales and into North-Eastern Victoria. It was described by George Shaw in 1792. A small lightly built parrot at around 20 cm (7.9 in) long and 40 g in weight, it exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male is predominantly green with more yellowish underparts and a bright turquoise blue face. Its wings are predominantly blue with red shoulders. The female is generally duller and paler, with a pale green breast and yellow belly, and lacks the red wing patch.
Region
Eastern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Queensland through much of New South Wales into northeastern Victoria. Prefers open grassy eucalypt woodlands, lightly timbered river flats, and edges of farmland where native grasses and herbs are abundant. Often uses recently burned or disturbed sites that produce heavy seed crops. Nests in tree hollows near feeding areas, typically close to watercourses or open clearings.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
A quiet, lightly built grass-parrot, the turquoise parrot often feeds unobtrusively on the ground in small parties. Males show a vivid turquoise-blue face and red shoulder patch, while females are paler and lack the red. It nests in tree hollows, often in eucalypts, and can benefit from post-fire or recently disturbed habitats where grasses seed profusely. Once reduced by habitat loss and trapping, it has rebounded in parts of its range with habitat management.
Illustration by Jacques Barraband in François Levaillant's Histoire Naturelle des Perroquets (1805)
Adult male, Twycross Zoo
Female in captivity
Temperament
quiet, wary, and generally unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
low, fast and direct with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups outside the breeding season, often feeding quietly on the ground. Forms monogamous pairs during breeding and nests in tree hollows lined sparsely with wood dust. The female incubates while the male forages and feeds her at the nest. Family groups may remain together for a time after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are soft, high-pitched tseet and tinkling notes, easily overlooked against background sounds. Males give gentle trills and thin whistles during display or when interacting with mates.
