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Status in the Wild

World Population:
1000-2500

Range: SE Australia; breeds only in Tasmania, wintering in SE Queensland and E New South Wales to S Victoria and SE South Australia.

Habitat:
Found up to 1500m (4920 ft) in forest, eucalyptus woodland, towns, grassland, open country with flowering trees and dry sclerophyll forest breeding habitat.

Threat Summary:
In Tasmania this species is affected by the clearing of E. globulus trees (its nesting sites) for agriculture, urban development, timber, sawlog production and felling for wood chips. The remaining nest sites are being taken by the Common Starling. Nectar is a necessity during breeding, and its availability is unpredictable. This species also suffers high mortality from collisions with windows, vehicles and fences. On the mainland, clearance of trees for agriculture and residential development has destroyed most habitat, with the result that most nectar sources are eliminated by the reduction of mature trees.

IUCN Rating:
Endangered

Wild Diet:
Feeds on nectar, sugary lerps (insect secretions), insect larvae, fruit, berries, and seeds.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
Occur in mixed flocks with Rainbow Lorikeets. Noisy and active, darting in and about trees before settling to forage. Comes to the ground only to drink. Very vocal before nighttime roost.

Clutch and Egg Size:
4-6 sperical eggs, 24.5 x 20.0mm (0.9 x 0.8 in).

Breeding Season:
September-January

Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/swift-parrot/pubs/swift-parrot.pdf


More Info Sites:
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=363

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swift_Parrot

http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/BHAN-54GVV8?open

http://www.theage.com.au/environment/logging-blamed-for-decline-in-already-rare-swift-parrot-20081020-54t7.html