Polly the Ground Parrot

"Polly" is the sixth of my series of seven Australian birds entitled "Flummoxed Flock". This is one of my last available pieces of this series. The others have all sold.

The eastern ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus) of Australia is one of only five ground-dwelling parrots in the world, the others being its closest relatives, the western ground parrot (Pezoporus flaviventris), the extremely rare night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis), the somewhat closely related Antipodes parakeet (Cyanoramphus unicolor), and the unrelated highly endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) from New Zealand.

The colouration of the three Pezoporus species and the kakapo is similar – yellowish green with darker barring, somewhat reminiscent of the head and back of the wild-type budgerigar. This is not an indication of a true relationship, however, but either adaptation to a particular lifestyle or a feature retained from ancestral parrots; probably the latter as barred plumage is found all over the family, from the tiny tiger parrots to female cockatiels.

When disturbed, a ground parrot flies swiftly just above the ground before dropping back into the vegetation. The presence of the bird is often only revealed by its characteristic dusk and dawn call, a clear whistling sequence of notes that rise in pitch before fading. It is silent in flight.

Only found in certain localities; threatened in parts of its range by the cultivation of large coastal areas, but also foxes, cats and fire; alleged to have a strong scent and therefore easily disturbed by dogs.

The bird is the focus of this large painting and depicts her in a marvellous side profile. Her feathers are accented with metallic gold paint which pops from different angles. There are so many shades of green and yellow in this piece and due to its striking size, deserves a place of prime attention, however as you can see from the insitu scenes, it could suit a lounge, living room or bedroom. Wherever it resides, it will draw attention and conversation.

This is an original acrylic painting, 122cm x 122cm with a red border. It is unstretched and will be posted in a tube and will require stretching by its new owner.

Alternatively, stretching and/or framing can be arranged for a fee, on request.

This item will ship internationally in a tube.