*44 
THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
is generally observed feeding on the ground, and when disturbed flies 
to a nearby tree. Food: seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants. 
nest. A hollowed-out chamber in a termites* mound on the ground, 
entered through a narrow tunnel. 
eggs. Three to five, white. Breeding-season: usually August to 
December, and as late as March or April. 
4. Red-backed Parrot Psephotus heematonotus Gould—4A. Female 
hie'-mat-o-ndt'-us— Gk, haima, haimatos , blood; Gk, noton , back. 
distribution. South-western Queensland, New South Wales, Vic¬ 
toria, and South Australia. 
notes. Also called Red-rumped Parrot, Grass Parrot, and Ground 
Parrot. Usually in pairs or flocks, frequenting sparsely timbered grass¬ 
lands. It is more often seen on the ground than in trees. The call-note 
is a pleasing whistle, almost a song, which is uttered while the bird 
is perched in a tree or when in flight. Food: seeds of grasses and other 
plants. 
nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree. 
eggs. Four to seven, white. Breeding-season: September to November 
or December. 
5. Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius Clark 
vaP-i-us— L. t varius, different. 
distribution. Central Australia, inland from southern Queens¬ 
land to Victoria to Western Australia. 
notes. Also called Many-coloured Parrot and Varied Parrot. Usually 
in pairs or family parties, frequenting open scrub-lands and timber 
bordering watercourses. It spends much of its time on the ground in 
search of seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants; it is by no means shy. 
When disturbed, it flics to a nearby tree, returning to the ground again 
immediately the observer moves away. Its note is a slight chattering 
call, or whistle, often repeated. 
nest. In a hollow limb or hole in a tree—usually a eucalyptus 
bordering a watercourse. 1 
eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: July to December. 
6. Little Blue Bonnet Psephotus narethce H. L. White 
nare//ur—Naretha, on Transcontinental Railway (Western Australia). 
distribution. South-eastern portion of Western Australia. 
notes. Also called Naretha Parrot. Usually in pairs, family parties 
or flocks, inhabiting open country dotted with patches of scrub. It 
has a soft, flute-like note resembling “Cloote-cloote". Generally 
observed feeding on the ground or in low shrubs. Food: seeds of 
grasses and herbaceous plants. 
nest. In a hole in a tree—chiefly a casuarina. 
eggs. Four to six, white. Breeding-season: August to December. 
