Red-rumped parrot

Red-rumped parrot
Male in New South Wales, Australia
Female in New South Wales, Australia
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Psittaciformes
Family:	Psittaculidae
Tribe:	Platycercini
Genus:	Psephotus Gould, 1845
Species:	P. haematonotus
Binomial name
Psephotus haematonotus (Gould, 1838)
Subspecies
P. h. caeruleus P. h. haematonotus

The red-rumped parrot (Psephotus haematonotus), also known as the red-backed parrot or grass parrot, is a common bird of south-eastern Australia, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. It is a highly sexually dimorphic species, with the male being more brightly coloured and possessing the red rump, hence the common name.

The red-rumped parrot was described by John Gould in 1838^[a] as Platycercus haematonotus from a specimen collected in New South Wales. He felt it was intermediate between the genera Platycercus and Nanodes, placing it in the former. He gave it its species name on account of its red rump.^[2]

It is the type species for the genus Psephotus. It was long presumed to be closely related to the mulga parrot, however analysis of multiple genetic material shows it to be an early offshoot of a group containing the genera Platycercus and Barnardius.^[3][4] Hence all other species in the genus have been moved to the new genus Psephotellus, leaving the red-rumped parrot as the sole member in the now monotypic genus.

The IOC has designated red-rumped parrot as its official common name. It is also known as red-backed parrot and grass parrot.

Red-rumped parrots are slim, moderate-sized parrots approximately 28 cm (11 in) in length. The male's plumage is a bright emerald-green with yellow underparts, a brick-red rump and blue highlights on the wings and upper back. The female's plumage is less vibrant, with pale olive underparts, dull green wings and back and blue-black wingtips. The characteristic red rump is only found in the male.^[5]

Red-rumped parrots can be found in pairs or flocks in open country with access to water. They avoid the coast and the wetter, more heavily wooded areas. Clearing of large tracts of forest and the provision of water for stock has probably extended their range. They are often seen in suburban parks and gardens.^[5] Their green plumage provides such a good camouflage in ankle length grasses that they can hide quite effectively until the viewer is only 10–20 metres away.

They spend a great deal of time feeding on the ground, and often call to one another with an attractive chee chillip chee chillip.

Like many parrots, red-rumped parrots nest in tree hollows or similar places, including fenceposts and stumps. They lay 3-6 white eggs around 2 or so centimetres. Breeding usually takes place in spring (September-November); however, in the dryer inland areas, breeding can occur at any time of year in response to rainfall. They will begin to breed from between 12-18 months of age.^[5][6]

Red-rumped parrots are monogamous and pair for life. Both sexes defend the nest hollow. Incubation takes around 20-25 days and is done by the female alone. The father brings food to the mother while she incubates the eggs and feeds the chicks during their first few weeks of life, afterwards, feeding duties are undertaken by both parents. The fledging period begins when the chicks are 4-5 weeks of age.^[6][7][8]

Courtship involves a display where the male stretches out his body, fans out and wags his tail, bobs his head up and down and thrusts out his shoulders, exposing the bright yellow and blue wing patches. The display is followed by the male mutually feeding the female through regurgitation. Mutual preening may be observed in bonded pairs, although it is uncommon among broad-tailed parrots.^[8][9]

Red-rumped parrots are becoming increasingly popular in aviculture due to their large range of attractive colour mutations and ease of care. They are incredibly hardy and can be kept in a variety of weather and climatic conditions. Compatible pairs breed readily in captivity if provided with necessary flight space and a large nesting box. They may raise up to four broods in a single season. Care must be taken to ensure parent birds do not display any signs of aggression towards their young once they have fledged.^[6]

Red-rumped parrots do well in aviaries and large cages. Only one male-female pair of red-rumps should be housed per enclosure, as these birds are known to be aggressive towards other birds, especially their own kind. Outdoor aviaries should provide ample shade and weatherproofing, as well as direct sunlight.^[6]

Red-rumped parrots have been bred in a wide variety of colour mutations, with an estimated total of over 22 mutations available at present. These include cinnamon, lutino, pied, blue, albino and opaline.^[6]

In captivity, if properly cared for, these birds will live from 15 to 32 years.^{[citation needed]}

• Media related to Psephotus haematonotus at Wikimedia Commons