Ground Parrot

​The beautifully patterned ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus) is a secretive bird found in buttongrass heath around the State. Although it also occurs on mainland Australia, the species is now only found there in fragmented populations where pockets of habitat remain undisturbed.

The ground parrot is one of only three ground-dwelling parrots in the world, the others being the extremely rare night parrot and New Zealand's highly endangered kakapo.

When disturbed, it flies swiftly just above the ground before dropping back into the vegetation again.

The presence of the bird is often only revealed by its characteristic dusk and dawn call, a clear, whistling sequence of notes which rise in pitch before fading. It is silent in flight.

Recording of sound provided by Dr Sally Bryant.