Scarlet-chested Parrot - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Neophema splendida

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 05 Oct 2023

Description

The Scarlet-chested Parrot is a small (19-21cm), brightly coloured parrot. The male has a scarlet chest, both sexes have a cobalt blue head and deep yellow underbody. Wing coverts are pale blue. Despite their colourfulness this species is often overlooked in their natural habitat. Calls are soft, they feed on the ground and they fly low keeping close to cover.

Distribution

Thinly distributed across the arid interior of southern Australia from far western NSW to the vicinity of Kalgoorlie (WA), extending as far north as southern Northern Territory. Sometimes locally common and subject to local irruptions. Rarely recorded in NSW, with historical records from Menindee Lakes (1849), the 'Darling River' (1863), Bourke (1892) and near Broken Hill (1952). More recently, this species has been recorded occasionally in Danggali Conservation Park (SA) and in the adjoining Scotia Mallee (Tarawi NR, Scotia Sanctuary) in NSW.

Habitat and ecology

Inhabits semi-arid areas with mallee and mulga scrublands/open woodlands with spinifex and saltbush ground covers. Occurs in both recently burnt and older growth mallee.
Usually nests close to the ground (but may be as high as 8 m) within small mallee eucalypt or Mulga trees, the eggs being laid onto decayed debris and leaves within vertical spouts or other hollows. Several pairs of these parrots may nest within neighbouring trees.
Forages on or near the ground for seeds of grasses, including spinifex, herbs and acacias.
Frequently found far from water, thus thought to be able to obtain sufficient moisture by drinking dew or chewing water-storing plants, but will drink at dams and troughs if available.
Usually occurs in small groups of up to 20 birds, but occasionally recorded in larger flocks. Movements are poorly known, though may be in response to rainfall and availability of food. Influxes of birds in the past may have been caused by increased breeding due to favourable conditions.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Clearance of mallee and Acacia scrub eliminates nesting sites and food sources for the Scarlet-chested Parrot.
Harvesting of larger mallee stems will reduce hollow availability.
Domestic and feral herbivores - may compete with these birds for food.
Trapping/nest robbing may have been a significant threat in the past, but the current impacts in NSW are unknown. If still occurring it may be significant due to the small numbers of birds present.
Loss of old growth mallee from fire will reduce hollow availability.
Lack of information on the species in NSW to inform a conservation management strategy.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Limit harvesting of mallee stems to less than 15cm dbh.
Reduce total grazing pressure to allow regeneration of vegetation for habitat, such as food sources or nest sites, for this species.
Retain hollows (including protection of existing mature trees).
Prevent clearing of habitat.
Investigate the potential threat of nest disturbance and, if significant, implement programs to minimise impacts.

Information sources

Barker, R.D. and Vestjens, W.J.M. (1989) The Food of Australian Birds Volume 1: Non-Passerines. (CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology)
Higgins, P.J. (ed.) (1999) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird.
Schodde, R. and Tidemann, S.C. (1988) Complete Book of Australian Birds. Second edition. (Reader's Digest, Sydney)
Slater, P., Slater, P. and Slater, R. (1993) The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds (revised edition). (Lansdowne, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range	Predicted	None
Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Predicted	None
Murray Darling Depression	South Olary Plain	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None

Sounds

Images

Scarlet-chested Parrot. Female left, male right, Stan Sindel Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Nature conservation

Threatened species