Turquoise Parrot

Identification

The turquoise parrot is a small and lightly built parrot, measuring around 20 cm in length and weighing only 40 grams. It exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, making it straightforward to distinguish males from females. Males are predominantly green above with yellowish underparts, but the standout feature is the bright turquoise-blue face, which is darkest on the crown and paler on the lores, cheeks and ear coverts. Their wings are predominantly blue with a distinctive red shoulder patch. Females are generally duller and paler overall, with a more uniform and paler blue face featuring highly contrasting cream bare skin around the eye. They lack the red shoulder band entirely, and their blue shoulder markings are darker and less distinct. The female's throat and chest are pale green with a yellow belly, and when flying, a broad white bar is visible on the underwing.

Juvenile birds of both sexes have less extensive blue on their faces, with coloration not extending past the eye. Both young birds display a white wing-stripe, which disappears with maturity in males. The immature male has a red patch on the wing and may also display an orange wash on the belly.

Range & Habitat

The turquoise parrot is native to eastern Australia, occurring from south-eastern Queensland through New South Wales and into north-eastern Victoria. In Queensland, its range extends from around Cooloola, Blackbutt and Chinchilla, westwards to the vicinity of St George. Historically, before 1945, it was recorded further north at the Suttor River and Mackay. The species is found in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and surrounding areas.

It inhabits grasslands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus and Callitris trees. Much of this habitat has been altered over time, and potential nesting sites have been lost, which has significantly impacted populations. The species is predominantly sedentary but can be locally nomadic. Populations appear to be recovering from a crash that occurred in the early 20th century.

Behaviour & Diet

The turquoise parrot feeds mainly on grasses and seeds, with occasional supplements of flowers, fruit and scale insects. This dietary preference reflects its adaptation to grassland and open woodland environments. The species nests in hollows of gum trees, making the availability of suitable nesting cavities crucial for breeding success.

Best Time & Places to See It

As a predominantly sedentary species, the turquoise parrot can be found year-round throughout its range in eastern Australia. For the best chance of viewing this charming parrot, focus on the grasslands and open eucalyptus woodlands of central and eastern New South Wales, or the foothills regions of south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern Victoria. The species' recovery from historical population crashes means sightings are becoming increasingly reliable in suitable habitat.

Photography Tips

The brilliant turquoise face and contrasting coloration of male turquoise parrots make them superb photographic subjects. Their small size and preference for open grassland and woodland habitats offer good visibility and light for photography. The sexual dimorphism is pronounced enough to allow interesting comparative shots. Look for males perched in low vegetation or feeding on grass seeds, where their vivid blue and red markings will be well-lit and clearly visible against natural backgrounds.