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THE PARROT SPECIES FIELD GUIDE · Psittaculidae

Golden-shouldered Parrot

Psephotellus chrysopterygius

Meet the golden-shouldered parrot: its taxonomic place, natural range and conservation record.

Golden-shouldered Parrot — Psephotellus chrysopterygius
Golden-shouldered Parrot
SPECIES NOTES

A closer look.

Scientific names follow AviList v2025b. Read the taxonomy and source notes for changes in classification.

About this species

The golden-shouldered parrot (Psephotellus chrysopterygius), also known as the alwal, arrmorral, minpin, thaku, or antbed parrot, is a rare bird of the southern Cape York Peninsula, in Queensland, Australia. A small parrot related to the more common hooded parrot (P. dissimilis) of the Northern Territory and the extinct paradise parrot of Queensland and New South Wales. It is classified as endangered due mostly to an increase in mid-story vegetation, which increases predation. A major conservation project is underway on Artemis Station to save the species from extinction. This was also the location for filming the BBC's Planet Earth III.

Where it occurs

Northeastern Australia (south-central Cape York Peninsula).

Conservation record

AviList v2025b records this species as endangered. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.

Sources & image credit

Names, family, range and conservation record: AviList Core Team (2026), AviList v2025b, CC BY 4.0. Species summary: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Length, weight and longevity when listed: World Parrot Trust species account.

Image: JJ Harrison. Original file and full credit · CC BY-SA 3.0. Display size and encoding adjusted.