What is an Australian parrot called?

Australian parrots are a diverse group of birds found across the continent of Australia. There are over 50 species of parrots native to Australia, belonging to a variety of genera and ranging greatly in size, coloration, and habitat.

Common Names of Australian Parrots

Some of the most well-known Australian parrots are called by common names that describe their color patterns or distinguishing features. Here are a few examples:

• Budgerigar or Budgie – Small, long-tailed parakeets with undulating flight patterns and chatter-like contact calls. Often kept as pets.
• Cockatiel – Small crested parrots with bold yellow and grey plumage. Also popular as pets.
• Galah – Pink and grey medium-sized parrots found widely across Australia.
• Rosella – Medium-sized parrots with brightly colored red, yellow, blue, and green plumage.
• Princess parrot – Bright green parrots with a red head and blue belly.
• Rainbow lorikeet – Small parrots with a rainbow of bright colors across their plumage.
• Sulfur-crested cockatoo – Large white parrots with elegant backward-curving crests.

There are also Australian parrots known for behaviors like the laughing kookaburra, gang-gang cockatoo, and palm cockatoo.

Scientific Names of Parrot Genera

The scientific naming of parrots groups the birds into genera based on shared traits and evolutionary relationships. Here are some common Australian parrot genera and example species:

• Aprosmictus (e.g. red-winged parrot)
• Barnardius (e.g. Australian ringneck)
• Cacatua (e.g. sulphur-crested cockatoo)
• Calyptorhynchus (e.g. red-tailed black cockatoo)
• Eolophus (galah)
• Melopsittacus (budgerigar)
• Neophema (e.g. scarlet-chested parrot)
• Nymphicus (cockatiel)
• Platycercus (rosellas)
• Psephotus (e.g. mulga parrot)
• Psitteuteles (e.g. variated lorikeet)

There are over a dozen genera of Australian parrots, each containing anywhere from just one to numerous different species.

Endangered Australian Parrots

Sadly, some Australian parrot species have declined significantly or been classified as threatened or endangered. Here are a few examples:

• Paradise parrot – Extinct since the 1920s
• Night parrot – Critically endangered
• Orange-bellied parrot – Critically endangered
• Norfolk island green parrot – Critically endangered
• Swift parrot – Endangered
• Golden-shouldered parrot – Endangered

Habitat loss, predation by invasive species, illegal capture for the pet trade, and climate change have all contributed to reduced numbers of Australian parrots. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect those species most at risk.

Size Range

Australian parrots span a wide spectrum of sizes. The smallest is the buff-faced pygmy parrot, at just 11-12 cm long and weighing 10-18 grams. On the larger end, palm cockatoos can reach 60 cm in length and weigh up to 1 kg.

Here’s an overview of the size classes among Australian parrots:

• Small parrots – 10-20 cm; e.g. pygmy parrots, hanging parrots
• Medium parrots – 20-35 cm; e.g. rosellas, ringnecks
• Large parrots – 35-60 cm; e.g. cockatoos, macaws

The majority of species fall in the small to medium size range. Larger parrots tend to have stronger bills for cracking hard seeds and nuts.

Habitats

From wet tropical rainforests to the arid outback, Australian parrots have adapted to a diverse array of habitats. Some patterns in parrot habitats include:

• Forest dwelling species – e.g. rosellas in eucalyptus woodlands
• Woodland species – e.g. ringnecks in acacia woodlands
• Grassland species – e.g. budgies in sparsely vegetated plains
• Arid zone species – e.g. princess parrots in spinifex grasslands
• Urban adapters – e.g. rainbow lorikeets in city parks and gardens

The availability of food sources and nesting sites tends to be a key factor determining which habitats different parrots occupy.

Diets

The diets of Australian parrots include:

• Seeds and grains
• Fruits, berries, and nectar
• Insects and insect larvae
• Flowers and flower buds
• Vegetative matter like leaves, shoots, and bark

Parrots have strong bills adapted for cracking hard seeds. Lories and lorikeets have specialized brush-like tongues for extracting nectar. Swift parrots migrate to target specific flowering trees.

Breeding

Nesting habits of Australian parrots include:

• Tree hollows – Large hollows sought after, often resulting in competition.
• Termite mounds – Hollowed out to create nesting chambers.
• Old sticks nests – Often those built by other birds.
• Cliff crevices – Used by some species like princess parrots.
• Ground scraping – Budgies and other small species.

Clutch sizes range from 2-4 eggs for smaller species, up to 8 eggs for larger cockatoos. Incubation lasts about 3-4 weeks, with chicks taking 5-10 weeks to fledge.

When do Australian Parrots Breed?

The timing of breeding in Australian parrots depends on the species and its habitat, but some general patterns include:

• Spring/summer breeders – e.g. rosellas, lorikeets, cockatiels
• Opportunistic breeders – e.g. galahs, corellas can breed year-round
• Dry season breeders – e.g. princess parrots nest during the winter
• Migrants have winter breeding – e.g. swift parrots

Breeding is timed to match periods of peak food availability, which allows parents to adequately provision chicks.

Captivity as Pets

Many Australian parrot species are kept as pets, including:

• Budgerigars
• Cockatiels
• Rosellas
• Ringnecks
• Princess parrots
• Galahs
• Cockatoos

Parrots are intelligent and social birds that require significant care, specialized diets, large cages, and activities to thrive in captivity. Only some species have been bred successfully in aviculture.

Cockatoos in particular are known for their ability to mimic speech and learn a large vocabulary.

Conservation

To protect endangered and threatened Australian parrots, conservation efforts focus on:

• Habitat protection – Creating reserves, managing land sensitively
• Nest site provision – Installing artificial nest boxes
• Controlling invasive species – Limiting predators and competitors
• Public education – Raising awareness of responsible practices
• Captive breeding programs – Building populations in zoos/aviaries
• Monitoring populations – Tracking numbers and demographics

All Australians can help by keeping cats indoors, planting native vegetation, and supporting organizations engaged in conservation work.

Conclusion

Australian parrots are a diverse, iconic, and imperiled group of birds. While some species remain widespread, others are in dire need of conservation intervention to avoid extinction. Protecting parrots means protecting habitats and building environmental awareness. With active management, future generations can continue to enjoy these colorful, charismatic birds in Australia’s landscapes.