Attracting parrots to your garden

Eastern Rosella perched on a branch

Parrots feed on a wide variety of plants. Nectar-feeders such as the Musk and Rainbow Lorikeet have a brush-tongue to collect nectar and pollen.

Seed-eaters such as the Red-rumped Parrot, Galahs and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos feed on wattles, banksias, eucalypts and grasses.

Corellas dig in the ground for tubers and the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo loves to find grubs hiding under tree bark.

Habitat tips

  • Plant a range of nectar, pollen and seed producing indigenous plants
  • Add one or more tall trees for perching, roosting and nesting
  • Include a source of elevated water, especially for the seed-eating parrots
  • Provide tree hollows to nest in, or a nest box especially designed for parrots
  • Practice natural pest control
  • Keep cats contained 24/7

Threats

  • Carnivorous birds
  • Wattlebirds
  • Noisy Miners
  • Cats and dogs (containment essential)
  • Indian Mynas
  • European Honey Bees that occupy tree hollows
  • Pesticides
  • Lack of nesting places (hollows)

Download the factsheet: Attracting parrots to your garden(PDF, 661KB)