Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster)

The Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) is one of the world’s most endangered parrot species and is critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List. Here’s a detailed overview of this striking bird:

🐦 Overview

• Common Name: Orange-bellied Parrot
• Scientific Name: Neophema chrysogaster
• Family: Psittaculidae
• Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN)
• Estimated Wild Population (as of recent estimates): Fewer than 100 individuals

🌍 Distribution & Habitat

• Breeding: Remote southwest Tasmania (around Melaleuca)
• Wintering Grounds: Coastal regions of southern mainland Australia, especially Victoria and South Australia
• Habitat:
  • Breeding: Button grass plains and eucalyptus forest edges
  • Non-breeding: Saltmarshes, coastal dunes, and grassy coastal areas

🎨 Appearance

• Size: ~20 cm in length
• Coloration:
  • Bright green upperparts
  • Yellow underparts with a distinct orange patch on the belly
  • Blue patch on wings and forehead
• Sexual Dimorphism:
  • Males are slightly brighter and have more vivid blue on wings and forehead

🧬 Ecology & Behavior

• Diet: Seeds of saltmarsh plants (e.g., Triglochin, Sarcocornia), some grasses and herbs
• Breeding Season: November to March (Tasmania)
• Nesting: Tree hollows in old eucalyptus trees

⚠️ Conservation Threats

• Habitat loss (especially of coastal saltmarshes)
• Predation by introduced species (cats, foxes)
• Disease
• Inbreeding due to small population size
• Climate change (impacting food and breeding sites)

✅ Conservation Efforts

• Captive breeding programs (Zoos Victoria and others)
• Supplementary feeding and nest box programs in Tasmania
• Monitoring and migration tracking
• Habitat restoration on both breeding and wintering grounds

Here are some photos of the Orange‑bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster), showcasing its vibrant plumage and delicate form:

• Bright grass-green upperparts, vivid orange belly patch, and blue frontal band and wings. Adult males are particularly striking; females and juveniles are slightly duller. commons.wikimedia.org+12en.wikipedia.org+12alamy.com+12
• This small parrot, about 20–22 cm long and weighing around 40–50 g, is one of only a few parrot species that undertake long-distance migration. en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1
• Though incredibly rare in the wild, it is heavily featured in captive breeding programs across Australia, appearing frequently in sanctuaries and recovery efforts. parrots.org+1parrots.org+1