24cm in total length, with a 13cm long tail.
Adults are predominantly greenish yellow, with patches of dark brown and black.
The lower underparts are rich yellow and the dark brown tail has green and yellow markings. The status of this cryptic bird appears to have been as much a mystery historically as it is today. In the era of burgeoning European exploration there were few reports of Night Parrots until the 1870's, after which numerous sightings were reported, and the bulk of specimens collected in the period between 1870 and 1890. As their name suggests Night Parrots are nocturnal, spending the day concealed in tunnels formed at the base of a spinifex tussock, in small rock caves, in hollow logs, or in burrows dug in sandy soils. At night they leave their refuge to feed on the seeds of spinifex and herbs, spending most of their time on the ground, or flying low to the ground if disturbed.