Golden-shouldered Parrot
Psephotus chrysopterygius
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 7/13/2017
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 1/19/2022
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: Alwal, Thaku, Arrmorral, Minpin
Priority Species? Yes
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derived from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Golden-shouldered Parrot, is known as Alwal by the Olkola people of central Cape York Peninsula. Theare a stunning parrot with the male's feathers being turqoise and orange with a black crown and bright yellow shoulder feathers. They are found in tropical savannah woodlands and open grasslands and move between habitats during the wet and dry seasons. They are seed-eating specialists and often feed on the ground and make their nest in termite mounds.
Threats
The threats to the Golden-shouldered Parrot are varied. The Golden-shouldered Parrots require termite mounds 30-50 years old to lay their eggs in, which the excavate just after the wet season when the mounds are soft. But if the termites are still active they can cover nest entrances or kill eggs. Feral pigs also knock over termite mounds reducing the number of nesting sites. Grazing by cattle and feral pigs also increase the risk of mortality due to food shortages during the wet season.