Australian parrots are so abundant and so diverse that nature documentaries often refer to Australia as The Land of Parrots. In fact, the southern continent even appeared under this name on a 1564 New World Map. It is hardly surprising that the early European explorers were so impressed by Australian parrots. After all, Australia is home to one-sixth of the world’s parrot species. Of about 330 parrot species that inhabit our planet, 56 are found in Australia.So, why are there so many parrots in Australia?
Mainly because Australia’s geographic isolation allowed the parrots to diversify into a vast array of species and to colonise every corner of the continent in the absence of other large seed-eating birds. As a result, parrots are found in most Australian habitats, from the arid and semi-arid Outback to the humid coastal forests.What types of parrots are found in Australia?
Australian parrots can be divided into two types or two families: cockatoos (Cacatidae family) and true parrots (Psittacidae family). Cockatoos are large striking birds typically with white or black plumage. True parrots are smaller and usually very colourful. In fact, they are among the brightest and most colourful birds in Australia.
