Regent parrot
The regent parrot or rock pebbler (Polytelis anthopeplus) is a bird of the parrot family (Psittacidae). It has predominantly yellow plumage with a green tail. The bird is found primarily in eucalyptus groves and other wooded areas of subtropical southwestern Australia, as well as in a smaller area of subtropical and temperate southeastern Australia. Seeds make up the bulk of its diet. Regent parrots are popular in captivity.
Taxonomy
The regent parrot was first described by English author and wit Edward Lear in 1831. It is one of three species in the genus Polytelis. The parrot is also known variously as the rock pebbler, rock peplar, black-tailed parakeet, Murray smoker, Marlock parakeet and sometimes regent parakeet.
Two subspecies are recognised. While the western subspecies (Polytelis anthopeplus anthopeplus) is listed as "lower risk" or "least concern", the eastern subspecies (Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides) is listed as endangered.
Three state governments and the federal government are coordinating a recovery plan for the subspecies.
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