About Polytelis swainsonii (Desmarest, 1826)
Scientific Name and Size
The superb parrot, scientifically named Polytelis swainsonii (Desmarest, 1826), is a medium-sized parrot. It is primarily bright green, approximately 40 cm (16 in) in total length, with long tail feathers, a yellow-green neck, and yellow-orange irises.
Adult Male Plumage
Adult males have a scarlet band across the upper chest, along with a bright yellow face and throat.
Adult Female Plumage
Adult females have a pale blue-green face, a greyish-green throat, a variable russet-pink tinged fore-throat, and orange thighs.
Juvenile Traits
Juveniles have brown irises, but otherwise resemble adult females. Young males develop full adult colored plumage at around one year of age.
Endemic Range
This species is an endemic Australian parrot. It is restricted to the dry sclerophyll woodlands of New South Wales and Victoria.
Population Estimate
The estimated wild population of the superb parrot is at least 10,000 individuals.
