Pale Parrots

Now this group really is a bunch of leftovers. But that is not to say they aren't beautiful and certainly interesting. They all have one thing in common - they are all rare and endangered. 

Golden-shouldered Parrot  (Psephotus chrysopterygius)

The Golden-shouldered Parrot is in danger of extinction. It is restricted to a small area within the south of Cape York and has suffered from changes in their habitat as a result of cattle farming. Now, these very farmers are at the forefront of driving efforts to save them. The female (on the left) is an attractive olive green with some flashes of blue on the tail. The male (photo right) is a glowing turquoise with a brown belly, black cap and those amazing golden patches on the shoulder.

Naretha (Northiella narethae) and Greater Bluebonnet (Northiella haematogaster)

Bourke's Parrot (Neophema bourkii)

The Bourke's Parrot is a small, pale grey and pink parrot found across a swathe of inland desert areas. It is unobtrusive and shy, making it quite difficult to find. It is most known to visit water holes at dawn and dusk and is well worth the wait.

Hooded Parrot (Psephotus dissimilis)

The Hooded Parrot is very similar to the Golden-shouldered Parrot but the black on the head is more extensive. They are only found in a tiny area of the Northern Territory like Pine Creek. The female is a muted pale green while the male is a striking combination of black and turquoise with golden shoulders.