Mulga Parrot
Psephotellus varius
Visual Identification
Appearance
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.
Size
Length
27cm to 32cm
Wingspan
36cm to 40cm
Weight
53g to 70g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Semi-arid
Distribution Map
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird 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.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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.
Diet
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.
Behaviour
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.
Vocalisation
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.
Nesting & Breeding
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.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
Birdwatching Tips
- 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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Many-colored Parrot
Family:
PsittacidaeAverage Lifespan
10 years
Max Lifespan
11.8 years [4]
Predators
Main predators include birds of prey such as falcons and goshawks, as well as introduced mammals like feral cats and foxes.
Did You Know?
- 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.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Psephotellus varius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22685142A254012326.
View source - 2 4
report, 1997: del Hoyo et al.
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