Pezoporus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pezoporus |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| vocalising ground parrot | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Psittaciformes |
| Family: | Psittaculidae |
| Tribe: | Pezoporini |
| Genus: | Pezoporus Illiger, 1811 |
| Type species | |
| Psittacus formosus Latham, 1790
|
|
| Species | |
|
Pezoporus occidentalis |
|
 |
|
Species distributions:
|
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Geopsittacus |
|
The genus Pezoporus is a group of two special parrots found only in Australia. These parrots are quite unique because they spend most of their lives on the ground. They are sometimes called "ground parrots." The two species are the night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) and the ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus). The night parrot used to be in its own group called Geopsittacus. These birds are part of a larger family of parrots known as Pezoporini.
Contents
About Pezoporus Parrots
The Pezoporus parrots are known for living mostly on the ground. Unlike many other parrots, they do not spend much time in trees. They are well-camouflaged, meaning their feathers help them blend into their surroundings. This helps them hide from predators.
Meet the Night Parrot
The night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) is a very rare bird. It is also known as the "nocturnal parrot" because it is active mainly at night. This makes it very hard to spot in the wild.
Appearance of the Night Parrot
Night parrots are about 22 to 25 centimeters (9 to 10 inches) long. Their feathers are mostly yellowish-green. They have dark brown, black, and yellow spots all over their bodies. This pattern helps them blend in with the dry Australian landscape.
Where the Night Parrot Lives
The night parrot lives in the dry, inner parts of Australia. For a long time, people thought this bird might be extinct. However, there have been a few exciting sightings recently. These include areas like Diamantina National Park and the Pilbara region in Western Australia. They have also been seen near Cloncurry, Queensland. The night parrot is currently listed as an Endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever.
Meet the Ground Parrot
The ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus) is another unique parrot that lives on the ground. Unlike the night parrot, it is active during the day.
Appearance of the Ground Parrot
Ground parrots are a bit larger than night parrots. They are about 30 centimeters (12 inches) long. Their feathers are generally green with black and yellow markings. They have a thin orange-red band across their forehead. When they fly, you might see a pale yellow stripe on the underside of their wings. Their beak, cere (the waxy part above the beak), and feet are greyish-brown.
Where the Ground Parrot Lives
The ground parrot lives in the coastal areas of south-eastern Australia. It can also be found in Tasmania. These birds prefer heathlands and swampy areas. They are currently listed as a species of Least Concern. This means their population is stable, but they still need protection.
See also
In Spanish: Pezoporus para niños
