Red-rumped Parrot
Psephotus haematonotus
Ground feeding parrot. Male is bright green with blue head and red rump; female is quite different in being much duller-olive green and lacking red rump. Common in open habitats, particularly farmland and surrounding woodland areas in southeastern Australia.
Identification
Red-rumped parrots are slim, moderate-sized parrots approximately 28 cm (11 in) in length. The male's plumage is a bright emerald-green with yellow underparts, a brick-red rump and blue highlights on the wings and upper back. The female's plumage is less vibrant, with pale olive underparts, dull green wings and back and blue-black wingtips. The characteristic red rump is only found in the male.
Taxonomy
The red-rumped parrot was described by John Gould in 1838 as Platycercus haematonotus from a specimen collected in New South Wales. He felt it was intermediate between the genera Platycercus and Nanodes, placing it in the former. He gave it its species name on account of its red rump.<p>It is the type species for the genus Psephotus. It was long presumed to be closely related to the mulga parrot, however analysis of multiple genetic material shows it to be an early offshoot of a group containing the genera Platycercus and Barnardius. Hence all other species in the genus have been moved to the new genus Psephotellus, leaving the red-rumped parrot as the sole member in the now monotypic genus.<p>The IOC has designated red-rumped parrot as its official common name. It is also known as red-backed parrot and grass parrot.
- Scientific name
- Psephotus haematonotus
- Authority
- (Gould, 1838)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Psephotus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Red-rumped parrots can be found in pairs or flocks in open country with access to water. They avoid the coast and the wetter, more heavily wooded areas. Clearing of large tracts of forest and the provision of water for stock has probably extended their range. They are often seen in suburban parks and gardens. Their green plumage provides such a good camouflage in ankle length grasses that they can hide quite effectively until the viewer is only 10–20 metres away.<p>They spend a great deal of time feeding on the ground, and often call to one another with an attractive chee chillip chee chillip.
Conservation
- Population trend
- rising
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Greater Yellow-headed Vulture
Cathartes melambrotus
Widespread and common vulture in lowland rainforest. Head may not appear yellow unless seen at close range. Best identified by steady flight with wings held at a slight dihedral. Similar to Turkey Vulture, but has broader wings which it holds flatter and does not teeter from side to side as often. Occurs in rainforest, cities, and agricultural areas.
Golden-crowned Flycatcher
Myiodynastes chrysocephalus
Large flycatcher of Andean cloud forest, usually seen perched high in the trees. Yellow underparts, dark face, and white head stripes are rather kiskadee-like, but Golden-crowned Flycatcher can be distinguished by its white moustache stripe, lack of white throat, and faint streaking on breast. It is also mainly found at higher elevations. Vocalizations include sharp “de-wit” and “chew-di-wit” calls that are repeated every few seconds. Due to a taxonomical revision, this species only includes birds found south of the Marañón River in Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Birds north of there are now included with Golden-bellied Flycatcher.
Mountain Caracara
Daptrius megalopterus
Uncommon to fairly common in the Andes, where its range does not overlap with closely related species to the north and south. Favors open habitats from puna plains to bleak desert and ski lodges, often with rocky cliffs nearby. Sails, soars, and tumbles easily on updrafts. Adult is strikingly patterned black-and-white with a black head and breast and a bold white tail tip. Juvenile is rather similar to smaller Chimango Caracara of lowlands, but distinguished by black (not pale) bill.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.