Swift parrot
Common name: Swift parrot
Scientific name: Lathamus discolor
Family: Psittacidae
Conservation status: The swift parrot is listed as Endangered in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992) and nationally (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). It is ranked as a medium priority under the Department of Environment and Resource Management Back on Track species prioritisation framework.
Description
The swift parrot is lorikeet-like and has a long slender-tail. Adult swift parrots average 236mm in length and weigh an average 77g. It is bright green in colour with red on the throat, chin and forehead forming a red mask. This red mask is bordered by a narrow yellow band. The crown, checks and edge of the flight feathers are blue. There is a splash of red on the shoulder and when the parrots are seen flying overhead they are predominantly green with red underwing linings. The tail is a maroon colour. The eye is yellow and the bill is straw coloured.
Habitat and distribution
They inhabit dry open, box-ironbark forests and woodlands. Most swift parrots breed within 10 km of the east coast of Tasmania, though there is a smaller breeding population in the forests of the north coast of Tasmania. Both these breeding populations are in close proximity of the primary food source for the swift parrot, Tasmanian Blue Gum, Ecalyptus globulus. In autumn, swift parrots migrates to mainland Australia and during winter they are semi-nomadic foraging in flowering eucalypts predominately in Victoria and New South Wales. Small numbers are regularly recorded in the Australian Capital Territory. Birds have been recorded in South Australia and southern Queensland in some years.
Life history and behaviour
The swift parrot is a small fast-flying parrot. It has a distinctive alarm call of ‘kik-kik-kik’, usually given while flying.
Swift parrots breed in Tasmania, nesting in hollows in old growth trees. The female occupies a nest chamber just prior to laying and will not leave until the chicks have hatched. The clutch size is normally four or five eggs and the male feeds the female every three to five hours. The young fledge after about six weeks. The chicks remain in the nest area and gather in flocks before dispersing.
Threatening processes
The loss of foraging habitats within the breeding range has affected the swift parrot. It is estimated that 50 percent of suitable forest habitat for this species has been cleared. Collision with man made objects, for example windows, wire mesh fences and vehicles also threaten the species.
Recovery actions
- Much work on this species is being undertaken in Tasmania, where the population breeds. Surveys of the population and their habitat in Tasmania and on the mainland have been undertaken and are continuing.
- A public information and education program has been conducted to inform and involve community in the recovery process.
- The frequency of collisions with fences and other structures is also being reduced.
Further information
Swift Parrot Recovery Team 2001. Swift Parrot Recovery Plan (PDF)*. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 23 March 2011