Photos by Tacey Gray, Port Fairy Consolidated.

The Orange Bellied Parrot feeds on the beaded glasswort (above left) as well as a range of the seeds and fruits from grasses, sedges and herbs. It roosts in coastal shrubs, such as the woolly tea tree (above right), which provides protection from predators, including foxes and feral cats.

Threats to the OBP include:

  • loss and alteration of winter habitat, in particular destruction of its saltmarsh feeding grounds, by industrial and urban development, agricultural practices and recreation
  • its small population, making it extremely sensitive to sudden catastrophes such as disease and storms during migrations across Bass Strait
  • predation by introduced predators, especially foxes and  feral cats
  • competition from introduced seed-eating birds
  • loss of genetic variation because of its small population size. 

Management to prevent extinction of this species is contained in the Orange Bellied Parrot Recovery Plan (2005 – 2009), which aims to:

  • Monitor the population size, productivity, survival and life history of the Orange-bellied Parrot.
  • Identify and document all sites used by Orange-bellied Parrots.
  • Increase the carrying capacity of habitat through active management of sites throughout the species’ range.
  • Identify and measure threats, particularly in migratory and winter habitats.
  • Increase the number of breeding sub-populations.
  • Maintain a viable captive population.
  • Foster community support and involvement in the conservation and recovery of the species and its habitat.
  • Secure adequate funding and support to successfully implement the Recovery Plan.
  • Manage, review and report on the recovery process.

OBP Brochure from the Australian Government Department of Natural Heritage and Environment.

National Recovery Plan for the Orange Bellied Parrot.