Golden-shouldered parrot

The golden-shouldered parrot, scientifically known as Psephotellus chrysopterygius and also referred to by names such as alwal, arrmorral, minpin, thaku, or antbed parrot, is a rare avian species native to the southern Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Australia. This small parrot is closely related to the hooded parrot and the now-extinct paradise parrot.

Description

Adult males of the golden-shouldered parrot are primarily blue, distinguished by a characteristic yellow patch over the shoulder area, a black cap, and a pale yellow frontal band. Their lower belly, thighs, and undertail-coverts are an extended dark salmon pink, with a grey-brown lower back. Adult females are generally a dull greenish-yellow and possess a broad cream bar on the underside of their wings. Older females develop a charcoal grey cap on their head, and their vent area feathers are pale salmon pink. Newly fledged males exhibit a brighter blue cheek patch compared to females of the same age.

Habitat and Diet

This species inhabits open forested grasslands that are rich in termite species and their mounds. These mounds are a critical habitat requirement, as the parrots utilize them for nesting. Their diet primarily consists of the seeds of small grass species, with a significant reliance on the seeds of firegrass (Schizachyrium fragile) for several months each year, particularly before the wet season.

Breeding Behavior

The breeding season for the golden-shouldered parrot typically occurs between March and August. They construct nests by excavating a tunnel, ranging from 50 to 350 mm in length, into conical termite mounds. The clutch size usually ranges from 3 to 6 eggs, which are incubated by the female for approximately 20 days. The stable internal environment of the termite mound helps regulate the nest chamber temperature, creating favorable conditions for incubation and chick development. Interestingly, a symbiotic relationship exists with the antbed parrot moth (Trisyntopa scatophaga), whose larvae consume parrot nestling feces, thus aiding in nest cleanliness.

Conservation Status and Efforts

The golden-shouldered parrot is classified as endangered, with an estimated wild population of between 700 and 1,100 individuals. Major threats include habitat changes, such as woody thickening caused by altered fire regimes and grazing pressure, which reduce food plants and provide increased cover for predators. Conservation projects, notably on Artemis Station, are actively working to restore open grassland habitats by clearing woody vegetation and managing grazing. These efforts aim to reduce predation pressure and create a more suitable environment for the species' survival. The species is scarce in captivity, with limited gene pools contributing to breeding challenges.