Superb Parrot, male.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Superb Parrot, female.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Superb Parrot, male.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Superb Parrot, female.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Polytelis swainsonii
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Superb Parrot
Scientific name: Polytelis swainsonii
Family: Psittacidae
Order: Psittaciformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Parrots
What does it look like?
Description
The Superb Parrot is a medium-sized parrot, with a swift and graceful flight. Its tail is long and the wings are backswept and pointed. Both male and female are mostly bright green, though the male has a bright yellow forehead and cheeks, with a scarlet band across the upper chest. The female is duller, with red thighs and patches of pink on the inner walls of the tail feathers. Both have a red iris and bright pink bill. The Superb Parrot is also known as the Barraband or Scarlet-breasted Parrot or the Green Leek.
Similar species
No other parrots are similar, though in flight it may be mistaken for a Cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Superb Parrot is endemic to south-eastern Australia. It is found in the Riverina area of New South Wales and Victoria, and, in winter, in northern New South Wales.
Habitat
The Superb Parrot is found along timbered waterways and nearby well-watered woodlands, especially in River Red Gums along the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers. They are usually seen in family parties or small flocks. They roost communally in trees.
Seasonal movements
Superb Parrots move extensively within their range, with a migration to the northern part of New South Wales in winter. Movement is from the south-western Riverina area to central and northern New South Wales along the Namoi and Macquarie Rivers.
What does it do?
Feeding
Superb Parrots feed mainly on the ground, and sometimes in the foliage of trees. They eat the seeds of grasses and plants, fruits and berries, nectar, flowers and some insects.
Breeding
Superb Parrots nest in deep hollows or hollow limbs, in large trees along watercourses, usually in River Red Gums. The eggs are laid in wood dust at the bottom of the hollow. The female alone incubates and is fed by the male while on the eggs and when the young are very small. Then both parents feed the young.
Living with us
Living with humans
Superb Parrots are listed as vulnerable, though locally common in their habitat. Alteration of their habitat and land clearing has removed many of their nesting trees and has made their winter feeding grounds unsuitable. They do use crops as a food supply.
References
Crome, F. and Shields, J. 1992. Parrots and Pigeons of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Steele, W.K. (eds) 2001. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 5 (Tyrant-flycatchers to Chats). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing.
Beruldsen, G 2003. Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Self-published, Queensland.