Hooded Parrot

Description
Species is about 25 - 27 cm long.

The male Hooded Parrots have a bright turquoise-blue body with a blackish crown. Has a golden-yellow shoulder and a pinkish salmon rump/undertail. Females are a pale yellow-green with a pale blue forehead/face. Undertail-coverts are pink. Juveniles have a yellowish bill with darker heads.

Similar species
Similar to the Golden-shouldered Parrot and Northern Rosella.

Behaviour
Often found in flocks, parties or in pairs when flying. Perches on trees and the occasional telephone pole.

Diet
Feeds mostly on the ground.

Calls
Makes a call of chu-weet in flight. Has a sharp metallic chissik-chissik or chillik for an alarm call.

Reproduction
Breeds between April to June while nests are found in the cavity of termite mounds reached by a short tunnel. Lays 2-5 eggs..

Distribution/habitat
Within Australia, confined to Top End areas and is uncommon as of now.

Often found in dry, open woodlands and open grassland. Often in areas with termite mounds.