Ground Parrot

The eastern ground parrot is a captivating bird species native to Australia. It is one of only five ground-dwelling parrots worldwide, sharing this unique characteristic with its closest relatives: the western ground parrot, the night parrot, the Antipodes parakeet, and New Zealand's kakapo. These birds exhibit similar appearances—yellowish-green feathers adorned with darker bars—likely due to either shared ancestry or analogous environmental adaptations.

If you ever have the chance to encounter an eastern ground parrot, you will observe it taking off in a swift, low flight before quickly dropping back into the vegetation. However, you are more likely to hear its distinctive whistling call, especially during dusk and dawn when its melodious notes fill the air.

There are two recognized subspecies of this bird: the eastern ground parrot and the Tasmanian ground parrot. Meanwhile, the western ground parrot has been reclassified as a separate species.

Regrettably, the eastern ground parrot faces challenges in parts of Australia. Populations are fragmented, particularly along the coastlines of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. In contrast, the Tasmanian ground parrot is more commonly found in the southwest of Tasmania. These birds prefer marshy coastal areas with dense reed beds, but their habitats are under threat from human activities, predators, and wildfires.

The breeding season for these parrots spans from September to January. They nest in concealed spots on the ground, using leaves and grass to line their nests. Typically, a female lays between 3 and 4 eggs, which she incubates for about 21 days. The chicks are well-camouflaged from predators and are fed by their parents until they are ready to leave the nest at around three weeks old. Even after leaving the nest, the young birds stay close, roosting under tussocks and learning to fly at approximately 25 days old.