Fun Facts

The Orange-bellied Parrot is one of only three parrot species in the world which migrates. Ahead of winter the entire parrot population flies from Tasmania, over the bass strait, to Victoria and South Australia. A huge journey for such small birds!

Once back on land, they stay within 3km of the coast and feed almost exclusively on seeds and fruits, particularly those from salt-tolerant plants.

These parrots nest in small tree hollows in a particular type of eucalyptus tree found in Tasmania, known as Smithton Peppermint.

Young birds leave the nest four to five weeks after hatching but may continue to be fed by their parents before becoming independent. They then form small flocks to look for food and migrate to the mainland about a month later than the adults birds. 

Orange-bellied Parrots are classed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Source: BirdLife International. 2018. Neophema chrysogaster. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22685203A130894893.https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22685203A130894893.en. Accessed on28 July 2023.