The turquoise parrot (Neophema pulchella) is a parrot species native to Eastern Australia, specifically southeastern Queensland, New South Wales, and northeastern Victoria. It was first described by George Shaw in 1792. This small and lightweight parrot measures around 20 cm (7.9 in) in length and weighs about 40 g (1+1⁄2 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males having a predominantly green body, yellowish underparts, and a vibrant turquoise blue face. Their wings are mainly blue with red shoulders.
A Rainbow of Colors: The Bird with the Iridescent Blue Face
Females, on the other hand, are generally duller and paler, with a pale green breast, yellow belly, and lack a red wing patch.
The turquoise parrot is a terrestrial species that is not known for long-distance migration. It inhabits various habitats such as forests, grasslands, and shrublands in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and surrounding areas.
Its distribution spans across different regions in Australia, including southeastern Queensland, New South Wales, and parts of Victoria. However, there have been cases of misidentification with the scarlet-chested parrot in South Australia due to the similar appearance of the females.
In terms of behavior, turquoise parrots are often encountered in pairs or small groups consisting of parents and offspring. During the breeding season, pairs separate from larger flocks. They roost communally during autumn and winter, nesting among the foliage of trees at heights ranging from 1 to 8 m (3.3 to 26.2 ft) above the ground. Their calls, including a soft contact call and a high-pitched zitting alarm call, have been minimally studied. The species primarily feeds on seeds and forages in open woodlands, forest margins, and grassy areas near trees. They prefer shaded areas for feeding and tend to camouflage in the grass.
Turquoise parrots are monogamous, with males displaying their vibrant markings during courtship. Nesting sites, usually vertical hollows of live and dead eucalyptus trees or occasionally old fence posts, are chosen by the female. They face competition from other bird species for suitable breeding sites. The species has experienced fluctuations in population and range, with a significant reduction in distribution in the past. However, the population in New South Wales has been increasing since the 1930s, and the species has repopulated certain areas. Currently, the turquoise parrot is categorized as least concern (LC) on the population status scale and is not considered threatened.
While the turquoise parrot was popular as a caged bird in the 19th century, it became rare in captivity for some time due to issues with egg fertility. However, it has since become more common and adaptable to aviculture. In captivity, the species enjoys bathing and has been known to interbreed with other Neophema species if housed together. Various color forms have been observed, including orange-bellied specimens sourced from the wild and different recessive and dominant mutations resulting in red-fronted, pied, jade, and olive variations.
