Ever heard someone mention a bird called a 28? You might wonder what on earth they’re talking about. A 28 is actually a kind of parrot—specifically, the Australian Ringneck—and you’ll mostly spot it in southwestern Australia. This bird stands out with its green body, a splash of red across its chest, and a yellow ring circling its neck.
You might be curious about that odd name. People say the 28’s call sounds a bit like “twenty-eight,” and some even think it’s similar to the French “vingt huit.” That quirky name makes the bird even more memorable. Once you notice a 28, you can’t help but admire its colors and its part in the Australian landscape.
Want to know why folks call it a 28, what it really looks like, or why some see it as a pest? Stick around. Your next bushwalk in Australia might get a little more interesting!
What Is the ’28’ Bird?
The “28” bird is a unique parrot that lives mostly in Western Australia. Its call and colorful feathers make it easy to spot in the wild.
You’ll find some interesting facts about its name, scientific background, appearance, and where it hangs out.
Origin of the Name
People named the “28” after its call. When you hear it whistle, it really does sound like it’s saying “twenty-eight.”
Some folks think the name comes from the French “vingt huit” because French explorers might’ve noticed the sound and picked that name.
You’ll also hear local stories about its nickname, but the main reason is that unmistakable call.
Scientific Classification and Subspecies
Scientists call the 28 bird Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus. It belongs to a larger group, the Australian Ringneck parrots.
This group includes four subspecies, and the 28 is just one of them. It’s closely related to birds like the Port Lincoln Parrot and the Mallee Ringneck.
They all share that green body and yellow neck ring, which is why people sometimes call them Yellow-collared Parrots.
Physical Appearance
You can spot the 28 bird by its size and bright colors. It grows to about 40 cm (almost 16 inches), which is bigger than some other ringnecks.
Its head looks black, and there’s a bold red patch on its forehead. The rest of its body is mostly green, sometimes with a lime green belly.
Females look paler and have a browner head with less red on the forehead.
Distribution and Habitat
The 28 parrot lives mostly in southwestern Australia. You’ll find it in forests and woodlands there.
It likes places with hollow logs for nesting. You might also spot it on farmland or anywhere with enough trees.
If you want to see this bird in the wild, check out the forests in western Australia. It really belongs in this environment and plays a role in the ecosystem.
For more details about this bird, you can read up on Twenty-eight Parrots at Beauty of Birds.
Life, Culture, and Relatives of the ’28’
The Twenty-Eight Parrot is a lively bird with some pretty unique habits. It’s got a special place in Western Australian culture.
It belongs to a group of colorful birds, and you might know some of its relatives—like the rosella. If you look at its diet, importance in culture, and family ties, you’ll probably appreciate it even more.
Diet and Daily Behavior
The Twenty-Eight Parrot eats mostly seeds, fruits, and green plants. You’ll often catch it munching on seeds from grasses and trees, which helps spread plants across its home.
It also likes fruits and leafy greens.
During the day, these parrots stay noisy and pretty active. Their call—yes, that “twenty-eight” sound again—makes them easy to recognize.
You’ll usually see them in pairs or small groups, flying between feeding spots. Their green bodies and yellow collars make them stand out.
They love perching on branches and chewing leaves, which keeps their beaks in good shape.
Role in Indigenous Culture
For the Noongar people of southwestern Australia, the Twenty-Eight Parrot means more than just another bird. They call it Darlmoorluk and believe its cheerful call brings happiness.
When the bird wags its tail, locals see it as a sign of good spirit.
Stories say the parrot helps keep bad spirits away. It’s a friendly and positive figure in Aboriginal culture.
If you ever dive into Noongar traditions, you’ll notice how often this parrot pops up in their stories.
Similar Species and Close Relatives
The Twenty-Eight Parrot comes from the Australian Ringneck family. You’ll also find the Mallee Ringneck, Port Lincoln Parrot, and Cloncurry Parrot in this group.
All of them show off a green body and wear a yellow collar or ring around their necks. It’s kind of their signature look.
If you compare the Twenty-Eight Parrot to a rosella, you’ll notice the rosella’s bright, patterned feathers right away. The Twenty-Eight Parrot keeps things simpler—it’s mostly plain green, with a splash of red on its forehead and a lime-green belly.
It’s a bit bigger than some of its cousins, though the shape stays pretty similar. That red forehead and yellow collar? Those are your best clues if you’re trying to spot one.
People often mix these birds up because their colors and sizes look so close. But honestly, if you listen to their calls or pay attention to the tiny differences in their feathers, you’ll figure out who’s who.
Want to dig deeper? Check out more about the Twenty-Eight Parrot and its relatives.
