Print This | Tell-a-Friend



Golden-shouldered Parakeet  (Psephotus chrysopterygius)

Also Known As: Golden-winged Parrot or Parakeet, Chestnut-crowned Parrot or Parakeet, Antbed Parrot, Anthill Parrot
 
MAIN_golden_shouldered_parrot_2

Golden-shouldered Parrot , male, Artemis, Cape York Peninsula, Qld

Credit: © Michael Todd | http://www.wildlifing.com
 
photos Photos videoVideo 1
Video 2
 
eNewsletter SIGNUP FOR EMAIL UPDATES
Did You Know?
The nest hollow of the Golden-shouldered Parakeet is excavated in a termite mound still damp from the wet season.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
2000

Range: NE Australia, with two or three isolated breeding populations existing on Cape York Peninsula, N Queensland.

Habitat:
Found in grasslands and open woodland, where there are termite mounds, areas with eucalypt and melaleuca trees. Post-breeding birds may venture into mangroves.

Threat Summary:
Restriction of range by changing fire regimes, with fewer hot burns which result in more woody plants; the arrival of feral cattle and pigs; increase of woody vegetation that favours the predators of the parrot, such as the Pied Butcherbird.

IUCN Rating:
Endangered

Wild Diet:
Eats mostly seeds of grasses.

CITES Rating:
Appendix I

Ecology:
Usually found singly, in pairs or family parties, gathering to feed in flocks of up to 30. Roost in foliage in hottest part of day.

Clutch and Egg Size:
4 to 7 rounded eggs, 21.5 x 18.5mm (0.8 x 0.7 in).

Breeding Season:
April-August

Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/p-chrysopterygius/information.html

http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/p-chrysopterygius/pubs/p-chrysopterygius.pdf

More Info Sites:
http://www.answers.com/topic/golden-shouldered-parrot

http://direct.bl.uk/bld/PlaceOrder.do?UIN=155998098&ETOC=RN&from=searchengine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psephotus_chrysopterygius