Colloquially known as ‘Grass Parrots’, Red-rumped Parrots are one of the region's more common and widespread species of parrot.

They frequent many of Wangaratta’s parklands, such as those around the Barr Reserve, open spaces along creek reserves, and recreational facilities.

They are also widespread and plentiful throughout farmland and open woodlands, making them easily seen and recognisable.

For this reason, the common and familiar Red-rumped Parrot is often overlooked – people taking for granted the beauty and elegance of this bird.

However, all things said and done, Red-rumps are actually a very colourful and attractive bird that really does deserve to be admired.

Like all birds, parrots can be grouped into categories reflecting their dietary preferences and where they feed.

Species such as lorikeets feed on nectar in trees, while rosellas feed on seeds and fruits in trees and shrubs.

Red-rumped Parrots, as their colloquial name suggests, feed on the ground in search of small seeds of grasses, herbs and weeds.

They spend much of their time busily fossicking among areas of short grass taking tiny seeds from grass stems and also those have fallen to the ground, which is why they are often seen feeding along roads, tracks and driveways, taking the seed that is easiest to access.

Modified environments - parks and gardens, sports fields and grazed paddocks - all offer feeding opportunities for Red-rumps as they have adapted well to seeding introduced grasses and pasture weeds.

Like most of our parrots, male Red-rumps can easily be identified from females by their brighter colouring, having an iridescent green head, neck and chest, yellow breast, blue wings and a scarlet red rump, conspicuous when taking off and in flight.

Females on the other hand are a dull olive green, and although they lack the bright colours of the male, they are delicately patterned if seen up close.

The birds use their colours to blend with their surrounds, and given how much time they spend out in the open in short grass foraging for seeds, they really do need to avoid attention from any would-be predators.

Studies have actually shown that this species, and many other ground foragers, feed in dappled light and shade on the ground, assisting them to blend in as best they can.

At this time of year, Red-rumps mostly assemble in loose flocks, which in some cases may number up to 100 or more.

But within these flocks, established pairs of birds are evident with males accompanying their respective partners throughout the year.

As late winter approaches, these flocks will break up and the pairs will settle on a breeding territory which they will defend from neighbouring rival pairs.

It is not uncommon to see males squabbling over nest sites, which is a small hollow in a stump or tree.

Often, they nest in dead standing trees, highlighting the importance of such trees as habitat for wildlife.

Next time you see a flock of Red-rumps, we encourage you to stop and take the time for a closer look.

They really are a beautiful and underrated species.