Turquoise Parrot
Turquoise parrots are small and brightly coloured members of the parrot family. Male and females are sexually dimorphic, meaning they have different colour patterns. Males have noticeably more blue on the face whereas females have white markings between their eyes and beak. Also, the males breast is orange-yellow compared to the female’s green, and the males have brown wing markings that the females do not have. Juveniles of both sexes are duller than the adults.
The breeding season for turquoise parrots is from August to December when there is good food availability. Nests are made in tree hollows, tree stumps or fallen logs. Both males and females will feed the chicks after hatching, with fledging taking place 30 days later.
Turquoise parrots eat a variety of foods including seeds, flowers, fruit, leaves and herbs.
Turquoise parrots are classed as Least Concern. This is remarkable after they nearly became extinct between 1880 and 1920 because cows, sheep and rabbits were introduced to Australia and changed their habitat. Since 1930 the numbers have recovered and the population is stable. Currently they are threatened by foxes and cats and a lack of suitable nest sites in Victoria state.
Key Facts:
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Distribution: South Eastern Australia
Habitat: Grassland, Temperate Forest
Diet: Flowers, Fruit, Leaves, Seeds
Weight: 37 – 44g
No. of young: 4 – 5
Life Span: 21 years
SUPPORT OUR ANIMALS
If you're looking for an alternative way to donate to Twycross Zoo, you can help support our animals and our zoo keepers by purchasing something from our Amazon Wishlist!
Updated regularly by our zoo keepers, the items on the list help to provide enrichment for our animals and keep their habitats well maintained.
Every donation helps us as a conservation charity.