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THE PARROT SPECIES FIELD GUIDE · Psittaculidae

Scarlet-chested Parrot

Neophema splendida

Meet the scarlet-chested parrot: its taxonomic place, natural range and conservation record.

Scarlet-chested Parrot — Neophema splendida
Scarlet-chested 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 scarlet-chested parrot (Neophema splendida), known alternately as scarlet-breasted parrot, orange-throated parrot or splendid parrot, is a parrot endemic to central South Australia and inland southern Western Australia. The species is sexually dimorphic; the male has a bright blue face and scarlet chest and yellow underparts, amid overall green plumage, while the female is similar but lacks the red chest. These nomadic parakeets move readily from the Great Victoria Desert region into neighbouring areas. These interruptions are triggered by a search for more favourable conditions. They can survive quite well without access to drinking water, however, as succulent plants help meet much of their fluid requirement.

Where it occurs

Semiarid southern Australia (east of Kalgoorlie to southeastern South Australia).

Conservation record

AviList v2025b records this species as least concern. 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.