The Western Ground Parrot (Pezoporus wallicus flaviventris) is one of the more unusual members of the parrot family. As it name implies it spends much of its time on the ground. World-wide there are only three other species of ground-dwelling parrots, the almost extinct Night Parrot, New Zealand's Kapako and the Antipodean Island Parrot.

Western Ground Parrots live in floristically diverse heathlands and during the day usually take to flight only when flushed.                                                    

Western Ground Parrot sunning itself

Western Ground Parrots have a varied diet and have been observed eating the seeds, flowers and leaves of the plants found in their heathland habitat.

The only time the bird announces its presence by calling is during a brief period before sunrise and after sunset when it flies to its nighttime roost.

Although the birds spend much of their time on the ground, they can fly well.

Nesting occurs during spring. The nest, unlike that of most other parrots, is on the ground making its young particularly vulnerable to predation. Clutch-size is thought to be between 3 - 4 eggs.

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