Mulga Parrot Bird Facts (Psephotellus varius)

The Mulga Parrot is a small, colourful parrot with a distinctive appearance. Males display vibrant green plumage on their back and wings, with yellow and blue patches on the wings. Their head features a yellow band and red crown, with a bright yellow belly.

Females are more subdued in colouration, primarily olive-green with red patches on their wings. Both sexes have similar size and build. Juveniles resemble females but with duller overall plumage.

The Mulga Parrot can be found in Woodland habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Garden habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Urban habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

The Mulga Parrot can be found in Grassland habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Desert habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

The Mulga Parrot is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Mulga Parrots are endemic to Australia. They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions across the southern half of the continent. They are commonly found in mulga woodlands, mallee scrublands, and grasslands with scattered trees.

Their range extends from western New South Wales and southwestern Queensland to the southern Northern Territory and Western Australia. They are non-migratory and maintain their territories year-round in suitable habitats.

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Mulga Parrot. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Australia

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Mulga Parrot exhibits impressive agility through its swift, undulating flight pattern and ability to manoeuvre effectively between ground foraging and tree perching. Their ground-scurrying behaviour and adaptability in varied terrain demonstrates considerable nimbleness.

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small parrot weighing between 55-75g, the Mulga Parrot possesses moderate strength relative to its size. Whilst capable of cracking seeds and maintaining steady flight, it's not particularly powerful compared to larger parrot species.

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Highly adaptable species, capable of surviving in arid conditions without regular water access, utilising specialised powder-down feathers, and thriving across various habitats from woodlands to grasslands. Their ability to maintain territories year-round in challenging environments showcases remarkable adaptability.

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally peaceful birds that live in pairs or small family groups. Whilst they may defend their territory and nesting sites, they're not notably aggressive compared to other parrot species, preferring to flee when disturbed rather than confront threats.

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Demonstrates excellent endurance through their ability to survive in harsh arid environments, forage extensively on the ground, and maintain territories year-round. Their capacity to thrive without regular water access and sustain daily activities in challenging climatic conditions indicates strong endurance capabilities.

Mulga Parrots primarily feed on seeds from native grasses and herbs. They also consume fruits, berries, and nectar from various plants, including acacias and eucalypts.

During the breeding season, they may supplement their diet with insects and their larvae to meet increased protein needs.

Mulga Parrots are typically observed in pairs or small family groups. They spend much of their time foraging on the ground, swiftly scurrying between patches of vegetation.

When disturbed, they often fly to nearby trees, displaying a swift, undulating flight pattern characteristic of many parrot species.

Mulga Parrots have a variety of soft, musical calls. Their repertoire includes gentle whistles, warbling notes, and quiet chattering sounds.

During flight, they often emit a distinctive 'zit-zit' call. Males may produce more complex melodies during courtship displays.

Breeding season for Mulga Parrots typically occurs between August and January, varying slightly depending on local conditions. Pairs form strong, monogamous bonds and often remain together for multiple breeding seasons.

Nests are usually built in tree hollows, often in eucalyptus or mulga trees. The female lays a clutch of 3-6 white, rounded eggs. She alone incubates the eggs while the male provides food.

Incubation lasts about 20 days, and the chicks fledge after approximately 30 days. Both parents care for the young, continuing to feed them for several weeks after they leave the nest.

The Mulga Parrot typically lives for 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 11.8 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

While currently listed as Least Concern, Mulga Parrots face threats from habitat loss due to land clearing for agriculture.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving their native woodland habitats and monitoring population trends to ensure their continued survival in the wild.

Look for Mulga Parrots in open woodlands and grasslands with scattered trees
Listen for their soft, melodious whistles and chattering calls
Observe ground areas near mulga and acacia trees, where they often forage
Visit Australian arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the southern and central parts of the continent

Main predators include birds of prey such as falcons and goshawks, as well as introduced mammals like feral cats and foxes.

Mulga Parrots can survive without drinking water for extended periods, obtaining moisture from their food.
They have specialised feathers that produce a fine powder, which they use for preening and waterproofing.
The species name 'varius' refers to the varied colouration of the male birds.

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