orange-bellied parakeet

The Orange‑bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) is a small migratory grass parrot, about 20‑23 cm in length and weighing ~45 g, with a vivid orange belly patch and blue facial/wing accents (more pronounced in males). It breeds in a narrow coastal strip in south‑west Tasmania, nesting in hollows of mature eucalyptus trees adjacent to button grass plains, then migrates across Bass Strait to spend winters along the southern coasts of Victoria and South Australia in saltmarshes, coastal scrub, and estuarine areas. Because of very low numbers (100‑150 mature individuals), the species is Critically Endangered. Lifespan in the wild averages just over 2 years, though some birds survive much longer. Key threats include habitat loss (especially non‑breeding habitat), disease, predation, small population size (inbreeding, stochastic risks), competition, and climate challenges. Conservation efforts include captive breeding (‘insurance’ population), nest box provision, management of fire regimes, habitat protection, and release programs.