How to identify Neophema parrots

Bird ID

16 Jan

4 minute read

Learn how to identify Neophema parrots, also known as Australia’s grass parrots. Discover which colours will help you quickly identify birds like the Orange-bellied Parrot, Elegant Parrot and Turquoise Parrot.

Blue-winged Parrot

The Blue-winged Parrot, named for its all-blue wing patch, is a slender bird with olive-green upperparts and a yellow belly. You will also see a yellow patch between its eye and bill. Found in Tasmania and southeastern Australia, these parrots have a distinctive yellow facial patch and measure around 21cm long.

Elegant Parrot

The Elegant Parrot, with golden-olive upperparts and a yellow belly, has a two-toned blue forehead band and similar wing markings. Males boast a yellow facial mask. Found in southwest WA and southern Australia, these parrots also go by the names ‘Grass Parrot’ or ‘Yellow Lowry’.

Orange-bellied Parrot

The Orange-bellied Parrot breeds in summer Tasmania and migrates to winter in coastal Victoria and South Australia. Males are bright green with a vibrant orange belly, while females are duller. This bird species is Critically Endangered.

Rock Parrot

The Rock Parrot is a stocky, olive-green parrot with a bright blue forehead and face. Found in two patches of southern Australia, it prefers the ground but perches in shrubs and sometimes hides under rocks. Unlike its more colorful relatives, the Rock Parrot is dull with light blue markings.

Scarlet-chested Parrot

Bright green with a scarlet chest, the male Scarlet-chested Parrot is a stunner. The female is similar but lacks the red chest. Both sexes have a blue face. Easily confused with the Turquoise Parrot, females have a more extensive blue face.

Turquoise Parrot

The Turquoise Parrot is bright green with a turquoise crown and blue wing patch. Males have red shoulders. Females are duller with no red and a pale wing stripe.

Bourke’s Parrot

The Bourke's Parrot is mostly brown above and pink below, with a white eye ring. Males have small blue markings. Some scientists consider the this parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii) as belonging to the Neophema genus so it’s been added to this mix.