Neophema elegans (Gould, 1837)

Scientific Name and Size

The elegant parrot, Neophema elegans (Gould, 1837), measures 23 cm (9.1 in) in total length.

Body and Head Plumage

Its body plumage is predominantly golden olive, with a dark blue frontal band on the head that has a paler blue line above it. The abdomen and vent region are yellow.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are a duller olive shade across their entire body, and have a narrower blue frontal band than males.

Wing Plumage

Most of the wing surface is olive, while the outer flight feathers are dark blue.

Tail Plumage

The tail is edged with yellow, and shows mixed shades of olive and blue.

Soft Part Coloration

The bill and legs are grey, and the eyes are dark brown.

Juvenile Plumage

Juvenile elegant parrots have duller overall plumage than adults, and do not develop the characteristic frontal blue bands.

Distribution Overview

This species is found across two separate, disjunct regions in Australia.

Southwestern Australian Range

One region spans southwestern Australia, stretching from Moora in the north to Merredin and Esperance in the east.

Southeastern Australian Range

The second region covers southeastern South Australia (including Kangaroo Island), extending north to Marree and east into western Victoria.