Creature Feature #567: Paradise Parrot

The Paradise Parrot of Queensland-New South Wales, Australia, was once relatively common within its restricted range. He lived in pairs or family groups, nesting in termite mounds and feeding almost exclusively on grass seeds. By the end of the 19th century, this colourful parrot was becoming increasingly uncommon - predation, habitat destruction and hunting are all listed as probable causes for his decline. The last confirmed sighting was seen in 1927.

Is it a parrot or a parakeet?
Whilst the Paradise Parrot is named as a "parrot", it does bear several traits in common with the birds associated with the parakeet moniker. Essentially, all parakeets ARE parrots, but not all parrots are parakeets. Parakeet is generally associated with small-to-medium sized parrots, characterised by their long tails and a generally colourful.

The most commonly associated bird with the name "parakeet" is the buderigar. And since I missed drawing this colourful critter for B, I may well have to bring him in for P.