Breeding Habitats and Status of the Golden-Shouldered Parrot Psephotus Chrysopterygius, in Queensland

Abstract

SUMMARYWEAVER, C.M. 1982. Breeding habitats and status of the Golden-shouldered Parrot Psephotus chrysopterygius, in Queensland. Emu 82: 2–6.The breeding distribution and habitats of the Golden-shouldered Parrot Psephotus chrysopterygius, were surveyed from 1975 to 1979 to provide a guide for detailed studies. Breeding sites were found only north of the Morehead River and south from Musgrave Station on Cape York Peninsula. The habitat was drainage depressions with scattered termitaria and variable low open woodland communities. Nest tunnels were significantly more frequent in conical mounds, constructed by Amitermes? scopulus, than in meridian mounds, constructed by Amitermes laurensis; perhaps because temperatures fluctuated less in the conical mound. The Parrots were seen to feed on grasses (Panicum sp, Setaria and Eragrostis) and were noted in small parties (6–10 birds) on three occasions, as eight pairs and as seven single birds.