Pezoporini
Psittaculidae
The tribe Pezoporini, also known as the grass parrots, is a group of small to medium-sized parrots that are closely related to the broad-tailed parrots. This tribe is characterized by its ground-dwelling habits and includes genera like Neophema, Neopsephotus, and Pezoporus.
Key Facts
- ›Pezoporini is the sister clade to the tribe Platycercini, which comprises the broad-tailed parrots.
- ›The tribe is typically divided into three genera: Neophema, Neopsephotus, and Pezoporus.
- ›Notable species within Pezoporini include the Blue-winged parrot, Elegant parrot, Rock parrot, Orange-bellied parrot, Turquoise parrot, Scarlet-chested parrot, Bourke's parrot, Ground parrot, and Night parrot.
- ›Many species within this tribe are known for their ground-dwelling behaviors.
- ›The classification of species within this tribe is based on genetic studies, such as the work by Joseph et al. (2012).
Grass Parrots
Ground-Dwelling Habits
About Pezoporini
The Tribe Pezoporini
The tribe Pezoporini, commonly referred to as the grass parrots, represents a distinct group within the parrot family. It is recognized as the sister clade to the tribe Platycercini, which encompasses the broad-tailed parrots, indicating a close evolutionary relationship.
Taxonomy and Classification
The classification of the Pezoporini tribe is informed by genetic research, notably the work of Joseph et al. (2012). This tribe is typically organized into three main genera: Neophema, Neopsephotus, and Pezoporus. These genera collectively house a variety of parrot species known for their unique characteristics and habitats.
Notable Species
The Pezoporini tribe includes several well-known parrot species. Among them are the Neophema genus, which features the Blue-winged parrot (Neophema chrysostoma), Elegant parrot (Neophema elegans), Rock parrot (Neophema petrophilla), Orange-bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster), Turquoise parrot (Neophema pulchella), and Scarlet-chested parrot (Neophema splendida). The genus Neopsephotus (sometimes included within Neophema) contains Bourke's parrot (Neopsephotus bourkii). Finally, the genus Pezoporus includes the Ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus) and the Night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis).
Defining Characteristics
A prominent characteristic shared by many members of the Pezoporini tribe is their tendency to inhabit and forage on the ground, a trait that has earned them the common name 'grass parrots.' This ground-dwelling behavior is a key distinguishing feature of the tribe.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main genera within the Pezoporini tribe?
The Pezoporini tribe is primarily divided into three genera: Neophema, Neopsephotus, and Pezoporus. These genera contain the various species collectively known as grass parrots.
What is the relationship between Pezoporini and Platycercini?
Pezoporini is considered the sister clade to the tribe Platycercini. Platycercini is known to contain the broad-tailed parrots, indicating a close evolutionary link between these two groups.
What are some examples of parrots belonging to the Pezoporini tribe?
The tribe Pezoporini includes a variety of parrot species such as the Blue-winged parrot, Elegant parrot, Rock parrot, Orange-bellied parrot, Turquoise parrot, Scarlet-chested parrot, Bourke's parrot, Ground parrot, and Night parrot.
What is a common characteristic of parrots in the Pezoporini tribe?
A significant characteristic shared by many species within the Pezoporini tribe is their ground-dwelling nature. This behavior is reflected in their common name, 'grass parrots'.