Zoos Victoria acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners as the original custodians of the land and waters, their ability to care for Country, and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices.

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
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