Nature Notes - Mulga Parrot

Features

The Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius) is usually seen flying swiftly close to the ground with a slightly undulating flight. They fan out their tails when they land. The males are more brightly coloured (bright green with patches of red and yellow) than the females (olive-green with duller patches). Mulga Parrots are a lot quieter than many other species of parrot, and they do not form large flocks, but travel in pairs or small family groups.

Adaptations

Their green plumage blends remarkably well with the foliage, which allows them to sit quietly in a tree during the hottest part of the day without being easily seen by predators.

Habitat

Mulga Parrots are found in arid and semi-arid, lightly timbered country including Mulga and Mallee woodlands, and in areas of saltbush.

Range

They live across central and southern Australia from west to east, but are less common near the coast.

Wild Status

Mulga Parrots are moderately common: can become abundant in good seasons, but at other times may become scarce.

Diet

Seeds from grasses, herbs and shrubs, and berries are the main diet of Mulga Parrots.  (Scientists have also discovered bits of charcoal, fine grit, sand, and vegetable matter in their “crops”, which are special pouch-like enlargements in their throats).

Predators

Mulga Parrots spend a large amount of time foraging for seeds on the ground which makes them vulnerable to predators such as the feral cat and red fox.

Seeds do not contain much moisture, so Mulga Parrots need to drink regularly from a nearby water source, which makes them vulnerable to aerial predators such as falcons (Falco spp) and goshawks (Accipiter spp) who often hunt around waterholes. Mulga Parrot chicks are also vulnerable to predation in their small tree hollows, from medium sized Goannas (monitor lizards) such as Varanus tristis.

Home

Mulga Parrots spend a lot of time resting in the shade of a tree during the hottest part of the day, and are often found in “Mulga” woodlands (Mulga is a species of Acacia -  Acacia aneura, which presumably is why the common name of these parrots is such). They are also at home on the ground while feeding, but if disturbed will fly into a tree and wait for the danger to pass. During breeding season they nest in small tree hollows.

Size

26-31cm

Reproduction

Breeding is usually influenced by rainfall. They nest in the bigger trees found along watercourses. Nests are usually in a small, deep hollow in a branch 3-5 m high. In treeless, very arid environments they have been known to nest in earth banks. The 4-5 rounded white eggs (24 x 19mm) are incubated by the female, and the chicks hatch in 18-20 days. She is attended at the nest by the male. The young birds fledge at 4-5 weeks.

Extra Fun Facts

The scientific name of the Mulga Parrot is Psephotus varius. The word 'Psephotus' means 'inlaid with small pebbles', referring to the mosaic-like cheek feathers of these small parrots.