Bird

Blue-winged Parrot

Neophema chrysostoma

Also known as Blue-banded Parakeet, Blue-banded Grass-Parakeet

Blue-winged parrots spend much of their time foraging inconspicuously on the ground, blending into tussock grasslands and coastal heaths while picking at grass seeds. In spring, many embark on a remarkable migration across the treacherous waters of Bass Strait to breed in tree hollows across Tasmania. Their soft, tinkling twitter often gives away a feeding flock just before they burst into rapid, zig-zagging flight.

MigratoryGranivoreColorful

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VulnerableConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyWallaby grass seeds, Spear grass seeds, Saltbush fruit

Predators

Feral cat
Brown goshawk
Red fox

ThreatsLand clearing, loss of nesting hollows, and predation by feral animals

HabitatsGrasslands, coastal dunes, heaths, open woodlands, and pastures

Life span10–15 years

Classification

OrderPsittaciformes
FamilyPsittacidae
GenusNeophema
SpeciesNeophema chrysostoma

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Recognized by its olive-green body, deep blue outer wing covert patches, and a two-toned blue frontal facial band.
Support conservation: Maintain a generous viewing distance to prevent disturbing active nests or disrupting flocks while they feed.

Responsible observation

Quiet Approach: Move slowly near open grassland edges, as these ground foragers flush easily into tree cover.
Listen for Calls: Tune in for high-pitched, tinkling contact notes while scanning short grassy patches.

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