Neophema – Grass parrots

A group of small, slender parrots commonly known as grass parrots, found mostly across the open landscapes of Australia. These birds are known for their gentle behavior, graceful flight, and beautifully subtle colors — often a mix of greens, blues, yellows, and soft oranges. Unlike many louder, more boisterous Australian parrots, Neophema species tend to be quiet and understated, blending seamlessly into grasslands and lightly wooded habitats.

Most species within the genus live in open country, such as grassy plains, coastal scrub, and lightly forested eucalypt areas. They spend much of their time feeding on the ground, picking up seeds from grasses, herbs, and low vegetation. Because their plumage matches the surrounding habitat so well, they can be surprisingly hard to spot unless they suddenly take flight with a swift, low burst of green and blue. Some species move around with the seasons, following rainfall and seed abundance, while others stay in more consistent home ranges.

Breeding typically takes place in tree hollows, often in old eucalypts. Pairs are generally quiet and unobtrusive, and their calls are soft — thin whistles that can be easily missed even from nearby. Outside the breeding season, Neophema parrots may gather in small groups or loose flocks, sometimes feeding alongside finches or other ground-foraging birds. Their behavior is calm and peaceful, making them very different from the more raucous parrots Australia is famous for.

Conservation status varies across the genus. Some species remain fairly widespread and stable, while others face serious threats. The most famous example is the orange-bellied parrot, one of the rarest birds in the world, which highlights the challenges these parrots face: loss of natural grasslands, competition for nest sites, changing fire regimes, and shifts in food availability. Even species that have rebounded from past declines still depend on well-managed habitats to thrive.