Eastern ground parrot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eastern ground parrot |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pezoporus
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| Species: |
wallicus
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The eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus) is a special bird from Australia. It's one of only five parrots in the world that mostly lives on the ground! Its closest relatives are the western ground parrot and the very rare night parrot. Other ground-dwelling parrots include the Antipodes parakeet and the kakapo from New Zealand.
These ground parrots, including the kakapo, often look similar. They are usually yellowish-green with darker stripes. This helps them blend in with the plants around them. It's like nature's camouflage!
When something disturbs a ground parrot, it flies quickly just above the ground. Then, it drops back into the plants to hide. You might not even see it! Often, the only way to know a ground parrot is nearby is by its call. At dawn and dusk, it makes a clear whistling sound. The notes get higher in pitch before fading away. When it flies, it is completely silent.
Contents
Meet the Eastern Ground Parrot
What Does It Look Like?
The eastern ground parrot can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. Its feathers are mostly grass green, with black and yellow markings on each one. It has a thin orange-red band on its forehead.
- Its head, neck, upper back, and chest are green. Each feather has a black mark down the middle.
- The feathers on its belly, thighs, and under its tail are greenish-yellow with black stripes.
- The underside of its wings has a pale yellow stripe.
- Its tail feathers are green on top with yellowish stripes, and brownish underneath.
- Its beak is greyish-brown, and its eyes are whitish-yellow.
- It has long, greyish-brown feet with claws that are not as curved as other parrots.
Young ground parrots look a lot like the adults. However, their colors are a bit duller, and they don't have the orange-red band on their forehead. Their eyes are brown instead of whitish-yellow.
Where Does It Live?
The eastern ground parrot lives in scattered groups. You can find them in the far southeast of Queensland, along the coast of New South Wales (NSW), and in Victoria. They also live in Tasmania and some small islands nearby. Sadly, they are no longer found in South Australia.
What Kind of Home Does It Like?
These parrots prefer marshy coastal plains that don't have many trees. They like areas with low bushes and reed beds, especially places with "button grass." They might even depend on natural fires. These fires help new plants grow, which creates the perfect home for the ground parrots.
Is It Safe?
The eastern ground parrot is only found in certain places. It faces threats in some areas where it lives.
- Large coastal areas are being used for farming, which takes away their habitat.
- Predators like foxes and cats can hunt them.
- Fires can also be a danger.
Some people believe these parrots have a strong scent, which might make them easier for dogs to find.
In New South Wales, the eastern ground parrot is considered a vulnerable species. This means its population is at risk. There are an estimated 4,000 breeding birds left. The Tasmanian ground parrot, however, is not considered threatened at the state level.
Family Life
Breeding and Nests
Eastern ground parrots usually breed from September to January. They make their nests by digging a shallow hole in the soil. The nest is about 15 to 18 centimeters (6 to 7 inches) wide and 2 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) deep.
They are very good at hiding their nests! They usually place them under a small bush or a clump of grass that hangs over the nest, making it like a small cave. They line the nest with leaves, grass stalks, ferns, and small twigs to make it cozy.
A female parrot usually lays 3 to 4 eggs. The eggs hatch after about 21 days. The baby chicks are well camouflaged with thick, greyish-black downy feathers. This helps protect them from the cold.
The young parrots stay in the nest for about two weeks. Their parents bring them food about three times a day. After about three weeks, they leave the nest. They can't fly yet, but they roost (rest) under clumps of grass. They learn to fly later.
See also
In Spanish: Pezoporus para niños
