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Neophema chrysogaster
A wild critically endangered Orange-Belied Parrot, at a feeding station in Melaleuca. OBP's are a smallish green parrot with blue on its wings and head, yellow and orange on its belly. The wild population is literally on the point of extinction with only 3 females and 11 males migrating back to the breeding area at Melaleuca this season (end of 2016), despite past efforts of releasing captive bred adults into the wild. Many captive bred birds survive the breeding season and migrate north, but a lesser number manage to survive and make it back to the breeding grounds.
OBP's only breed in remote South West Tasmania. In April/March they migrate across Bass Strait to Victoria for the winter, where they feed in the salt marshes. In October they fly back to Tasmania. There are about 300 birds (number fluctuates) in captivity as part of breeding programs.
Spotted on Jan 22, 2017
Submitted on Jan 25, 2017
3 Comments
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It certainly is an amazing area!
There are a number of reasons put forward for the decline. One, as you suggested, is the decline/disruption of saltmarshes and areas where they overwinter in Victoria. Predation and competition are others.
Great spot Brett! Is it the decline in salt marsh in Vic limiting numbers? I was in Melaleuca a few years ago to start a hike but wasn't lucky enough to see an orange belly, such an amazing place!