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Swift Parrot prospecting nest hole outside its breeding area in Tasmania

on 9th August 2008

The Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) is found in southeastern Australia. It breeds only in Tasmania and winters in mainland Australia, mainly Victoria, New South Wales, and less commonly in SE Queensland and SE South Australia.

This is a rare, endangered parrot. Its green plumage provides excellent camouflage when it is feeding or resting in the gum tree. It is hyperactive, clambering among the branches and hanging upside down to get at the flowers. However, its loud calls betray its presence and with patience, it can be located. But when in flight the bird is very conspicuous.

Ong Tun Pin observed an individual in the Capertee Valley, about four hours drive west of Sydney, prospecting a tree hollow (top). In a two hours stakeout, the bird checked out the cavity at least five times.

This particular nest hole was supposedly used by the Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus). A male was also seen at the nest hollow twice but it was the Swift Parrot that showed more interest in the nest hollow.

But then we know that the Swift Parrot only breeds in Tasmania.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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