Orange Bellied Parrot side view looking to the left standing on a tree branch. The parrot is grass green with yellow and blue. As the name suggests it has an orange belly.

Orange-bellied Parrot

One of only a few migratory parrot species in the world, the Orange-bellied Parrot is critically endangered.

There are very few Orange-bellied Parrots left in the wild, and they are at risk of extinction in the next 3-5 years. The parrots breed in Melaleuca, on the west coast of Tasmania, feeding on button grass seeds. Every winter the parrots fly to the south east of mainland Australia. 

Orange-bellied Parrot sitting on a branch.

The major threats

One of the main threats to the Orange-bellied Parrot is the lack of females in the wild. There has also been a recent outbreak of Beak and Feather disease in their breeding region. Other threats include habitat loss, and the increase of predators and noxious weeds.

Orange-bellied Parrot chicks are being held in cupped hands. Young chicks are only just starting to get their green feathers.

The plan for fighting extinction

Zoos Victoria is playing a key role in the recovery of this species. We maintain a viable captive population at our zoos to insure against the extinction of the Orange-bellied Parrot in the wild. We also provide support for the annual releases and over-winter ranching of this beautiful species.

How you can help

  • Raise community awareness and support for the Orange-bellied Parrots.
  • Join the Birds Australia Mainland Winter Census and see if you can locate any Orange-bellied Parrots.
  • Visit our zoos to support our work to fight extinction.
  • Donate if you can, because every little bit helps. As we are a not for profit organisation, all donations go towards our important conservation efforts.
  • Discover more about local conservation events and join the growing number of wild activists taking action for local wildlife.

Orange-bellied Parrots can be seen at Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Number left in the wild:
Fewer than 50

Conservation status:

  • LC
    Least Concern
  • NT
    Near Threatened
  • VU
    Vulnerable
  • EN
    Endangered
  • CR
    Critically Endangered
  • EW
    Extinct in the Wild
  • EX
    Extinct