Australian Threatened Species Swift parrot Lathamus discolor2007 Conservation status What does it look like? Where does it live? The swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) is The swift parrot breeds in the hollows Australian Government: a small, fast-flying parrot found in south of Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus Endangered (Environment eastern Australia. Bright green in colour, globulus), during summer and spring. Protection and Biodiversity the swift parrot has patches of red on It then migrates to mainland Australia Conservation Act 1999) its throat, chin and forehead which are in autumn, and is sighted mainly in bordered by yellow. It also has red Victoria and New South Wales, but can on the shoulder and under the wings also be found as far north as southern Queensland: Endangered and blue on the crown, cheeks and Queensland and west to south eastern (Nature Conservation Act 1992) wings. A distinctive alarm call of ‘kik- South Australia. In New South Wales, kik-kik’ usually given while flying, and a swift parrots are usually found on the streamlined body, long tail and flashes coast and the south west slopes. On New South Wales: of bright red under the wing enable the the mainland they forage for insects Endangered (Threatened Species species to be readily identified. (lerps) and feed on nectar produced Conservation Act 1995) by winter flowering eucalypt trees, with spotted gum (Corymbia maculata), red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) and Victoria: Endangered (Flora white box (Eucalyptus albens) being and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988) some of their favourites. Swift parrot. © Geoffrey Dabb Tasmania: Endangered Swift parrot lifestyle (Threatened Species Protection The female swift parrot incubates three to Act 1995) five eggs, with the chick taking six weeks to take its first flight after hatching. The young swift parrots still rely on the female Australian Capital Territory: after leaving the nest. They beg for food Vulnerable (Nature Conservation and the female feeds them after foraging. Act 1980) South Australia: Vulnerable (National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972) PRO T E ct I ng P L ac E S , P R O T E ct I ng S PE C IE S Swift parrot Threats to the swift parrot With approximately 1000 breeding pairs left in the wild, the swift parrot is endangered. The main threat to the swift parrot is loss of habitat due to land clearing for agriculture, and urban and industrial development. In addition, collisions with windows, cars and fences contribute to the declining numbers. This is usually a problem during the breeding season when these obstacles occur in close proximity to nesting habitat. How does it benefit from protected areas? The swift parrot is found inland of the Great Dividing Range in box-ironbark forests and woodlands. Approximately 17 per cent of original box-ironbark woodland remains today. Some of this habitat is protected in national parks, nature reserves and travelling stock reserves, but much of its habitat occurs on private land. Protection and regeneration of habitat Swift parrot habitat Tuggerah Creek. © Karen Douglas and Alan Morris through landholder actions, Landcare and Case study: Tuggerah community bush regeneration groups are very Reserve Trust important activities for helping this species. Contacts The swift parrot also uses coastal habitat on the The aim of the project was to preserve NSW Coordinator south, central and north coast of New South swift parrot and regent honeyeater habitat Threatened Species Network Wales, and relies on this habitat during drought along Tuggerah Creek, within Tuggerah P: (02) 9281 5515 years. It can be found in backyards and on Reserve Trust, a community-managed E: [email protected] nature strips of coastal communities, feeding wetland and former dairy site with an Visit: www.wwf.org.au/tsn on flowering eucalypt trees. It is important to area of 175 hectares. You can find out more information protect this habitat and remember that backyards The first plantings on this site began on about protecting private property by may be an important refuge for this threatened National Threatened Species Day in contacting your state TSN Coordinator, species. 2005, and planting continued until early visiting www.environment.gov.au/ 2007. With the help of 84 volunteers biodiversity/incentives/covenants. What you can do: from the Tuggerah Reserve Trust, other html or by contacting the Department of local community groups, and the Wyong the Environment and Water Resources ● Protect and plant suitable habitat trees. Council, more than 4222 trees and shrubs Community Information Unit, email ● Contact your local Landcare group, were planted. [email protected], or Catchment Management Authority or Council for information about bush regeneration and The Trust has now planted in excess of freecall 1800 803 772. replanting in your local area. 22,000 trees and shrubs on the site. ● Join a community group in your local area In April 2007, some of the first swamp Reference or become a ‘Friend’ of the swift parrot mahogany trees planted in 2005 Visit www.environment.gov.au/ ● Take part in national surveys for the swift flowered for the first time. This site is now biodiversity/threatened/ts-day/index. parrot. being monitored for the swift parrot and html ● If you would like to make a commitment other species of conservation importance. to protecting swift parrot habitat on your A Threatened Species Network property, consider entering into a voluntary Community Grant helped to establish This fact sheet is printed on Revive Silk — an Australian conservation agreement for the property. this project. made, recycled coated stock made from 35% Australian recycled waste and 65% sustainable plantation fibre. ● Help the swift parrot by reporting any activities you see that are likely to harm them or their habitat to the Department of the Environment and Water Resources — Compliance and Enforcement Branch. Visit www.environment.gov.au/ epbc/compliance/index.html or freecall e Australian Government a ram of th nd WWF– 1800 110 395 for more information. sed prog Austr es Network is a community-ba alia. tened Speci The Threa.