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Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis)
Also Known As: Spinifex Parrot, Western Ground Parrot, Nocturnal Ground Parrot
If you have a photo of this species you would like to contribute, please email us at photos@parrots.org
Credit: (c) Steve Milpacher
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Did You Know?
The Night Parrot was presumed extinct until it was rediscovered in 1979, when four birds were seen in northern S Australia. It was then not seen again until 1990, then 2005.
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Not AvailableStatus in the Wild
World Population:<50
Range: Seen in scattered areas in arid interior of mainland Australia; recent reports from W Queensland.
Habitat:
Found in areas that are a combination of samphire flats with nearby lake systems and spinifex sandplains. Also seen in mulga and saltbush habitats, with large freshwater pools, rocky areas with spinifex, margins of salt lakes and grassy areas.
Threat Summary:
This species is threatened by predation by feral cats and foxes, altered fire regimes, competition for food in arid areas, destruction of habitat near water by livestock and reduced availability of water due to overconsumption by feral camels.
IUCN Rating:
Critically endangered
Wild Diet:
Seeds of spinifex and various grasses; possibly also vegetable matter.
CITES Rating:
Appendix I
Ecology:
Usually solitary, active and ground dwelling; by day hides quietly in spinifex vegetation where it is difficult to spot. Only flies during day if in danger; flies longer distances at night, when it is more active. Forages and visits watering areas many times. May leave for other areas in times of severe drought.
Clutch and Egg Size:
4-5 eggs, 25.0 x 19.5mm (1.0 x 0.8 in).
Breeding Season:
Not available
Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/docs/cloudbreak/PER_CloudBreak_AppL2.pdf
Recovery Outline - Night Parrot
More Info Sites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/3076.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Parrot
http://kalimna.blogspot.com/2007/02/conservation-news-night-parrot.html
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/night-parrot.html
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