The Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) is a small, migratory parrot found only in Australia. It breeds in south-west Tasmania in coastal button-grass moorlands and salt-marsh, before migrating across the Bass Strait for winter along the coasts of Victoria and South Australia. It is one of the world’s few migratory parrot species.

The Orange-bellied Parrot is listed as Critically Endangered, with the wild population fluctuating at extremely low numbers, often estimated at fewer than 100 individuals. Habitat loss and degradation, predation, disease, and the pressures of migration continue to threaten the species, placing it at ongoing risk of extinction.

Orange-bellied Parrot

Critically Endangered

Small enough to miss. Rare enough to lose. Important enough to know.

The Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) is a small migratory parrot found only in Australia. It breeds at Melaleuca in south-west Tasmania, then crosses Bass Strait to spend winter along the coastal areas of Victoria and South Australia.

It is one of the world’s few migratory parrot species, making its journey even more remarkable. Each year, this tiny bird moves between wild Tasmanian breeding grounds and mainland saltmarsh habitat, relying on a chain of places to survive.

The colours behind the piece

The Orange-bellied Parrot is known for its grassy green plumage, yellow chest, flashes of blue on the wings and brow, and the small orange belly patch that gives the species its name.

These colours inspired the Orange-bellied Parrot pieces in the LYFER Endangered Birds Range. The tee does not simply feature the bird; it draws from the bird’s own plumage to create something connected to the species behind it.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Neophema chrysogaster

Status
Critically Endangered

Found in
Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia

Breeding area
Melaleuca, south-west Tasmania

Winter habitat
Coastal saltmarsh and nearby mainland habitats

Known for
Being one of the world’s few migratory parrot species

Why the Orange-bellied Parrot is at risk

The Orange-bellied Parrot has one of Australia’s smallest wild bird populations. Its numbers have remained extremely low, and the species faces ongoing pressure from habitat loss and degradation, disease, predators, weeds, climate change and the demands of migration.

Because the population is so small, every bird counts. A difficult breeding season, poor migration conditions, disease outbreak or habitat loss can have a serious impact on the future of the species.

How Zoos Victoria is helping

Through the Endangered Birds Range, LYFER supports Zoos Victoria, with 10% of sales from the Orange-bellied Parrot pieces going towards their conservation work for the species.

Zoos Victoria plays an important role in the recovery of the Orange-bellied Parrot. Their work includes maintaining a captive population as a safeguard against extinction in the wild, researching the species’ migration, and supporting annual releases and over-winter ranching.

This work forms part of a bigger conservation effort to give the Orange-bellied Parrot a future in the wild.

Why LYFER chose this bird

The Orange-bellied Parrot is small, bright and easy to overlook, but its story is huge. It crosses Bass Strait, depends on fragile habitats, and reminds us how connected birds are to the landscapes they move through.

By wearing this piece, you are helping carry the story of the Orange-bellied Parrot into everyday conversation.

Image: David Stowe