Psephotellus chrysopterygius
The Golden-shouldered Parrot (Psephotellus chrysopterygius) is a captivating medium-sized psittacine, typically measuring 23-28 cm (9-11 inches) in length and weighing around 50-70 grams. Males are brilliantly adorned with a vibrant green body, a distinctive black cap, bright yellow shoulder patches, and a striking red belly patch that transitions to blue on the lower abdomen and undertail coverts. Females exhibit a duller olive-green plumage, a paler brownish cap, and a pinkish undertail wit...
This species exclusively inhabits open eucalypt savannas and tropical grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs, particularly those with a strong grass understory suitable for feeding and termite mounds for nesting. It is found at low elevations across its restricted range.
The diet consists predominantly of grass seeds, particularly those of various native perennial grasses, supplemented with the seeds of other herbaceous plants and occasionally small insects. They are primarily ground-foragers.
Golden-shouldered Parrots are diurnal, exhibiting peak activity during the early morning and late afternoon, often sheltering from midday heat. They are primarily ground-foragers, meticulously gleaning seeds from various grasses and forbs, often moving with a distinctive waddling gait. Pairs main...
The Golden-shouldered Parrot is strictly endemic to a highly restricted region of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, Australia. Its breeding range is confined to a relatively small area around the municipalities of Coen and Musgrave, particularly within specific eucalypt savanna habi...
Critically Endangered
- The Golden-shouldered Parrot is one of only two parrot species globally known to nest exclusively inside active terrestrial termite mounds, the other being its close relative, the Hooded Parrot. - The male's vibrant yellow shoulder patches are a key identifying feature, contrasting sharply with...