grey; iris whitish yellow; longish feet greyish brown; claws not so curved as other parrots. Immatures as adults, but with slightly duller plumage; orange-red band to forehead absent; head, nape, upper back and breast green, each feather with distinct black shaft markings; tail shorter; iris brown. Distribution Extreme southeast of Queensland to southwest Australia (scattered in small groups); Tasmania and some off-shore islands. Habitat Marshy coastal plain without trees, reed beds with low bushes, restricted to button grass areas; species may depend on naturally occurring fires allowing new growth and renewed settlement by the ground parrot. Status Only found in certain localities; threatened in parts of its range by cultivation of large coastal areas, but also foxes, cats and fire; alleged to have strong scent and therefore easily disturbed by dogs. Breeding Breeding period from September to January; (one record in March); nest consisted of an excavation in soil 15 cm to 18 cm across and 2 cm (0.75 ins) to 5 cm deep; usually well hidden under small bush or tussock hanging over nest to provide a form of hollow; mostly lined with leaves, grass stalks, fern and small twigs; clutch 3 to 4 eggs; incubation probably 21 days; chicks well camouflaged with thick greyish-black down and protected against cold periods; young remain in nest for two weeks approaching parents for food; fed three times daily; leave nest after three weeks at least disturbance; roost after 25 days outside under tussocks; cannot, however, fly at this point; egg measures 28.1 x 22.2 mm. References External links World Parrot Trust Parrot Encyclopedia - Species Profiles eastern ground parrot Birds of New South Wales Birds of Tasmania Birds of Victoria (Australia) Endemic birds of Australia eastern ground parrot