The critically endangered swift parrot. Photo: Chris Tzaros
Survival rates of the critically endangered swift parrot have been boosted with work to increase and improve habitat for the bright green native parrot.
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The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority received $250,000 in funding from the Federal Government to deliver the Swift Parrot Pantry project.
The project was aimed at expanding nectar resources for the swift parrot by revegetating sites with locally indigenous trees and shrubs.
Goulburn Broken CMA’s Zara Marais said 77ha were revegetated to provide habitat for the parrot.
“Local indigenous trees and shrubs were planted at two sites near Nagambie and in northern Victoria,” Ms Marais said.
“The project also included the establishment of two seed production areas, also known as ‘seed orchards’, to secure seed supply for future revegetation projects.”
She said Traditional Owners Taungurung and Yorta Yorta were engaged throughout the project, leading the cultural heritage and revegetation activities.
“Improvements in habitat quality and connectivity achieved under this project will provide long-term benefits for the swift parrot and other woodland bird species.”
Ms Marais said the project also highlighted the need for greater protection of existing mature vegetation because it took a long time for trees to mature to a point where they provided high-value habitat and nectar.
“The swift parrot migrates from Tasmania to the mainland each winter in search of carbohydrate-rich nectar.
“We want to make sure there’s plenty to eat and somewhere to sleep once they get here. That way they’ll visit again.”
Earlier this year more than 20 keen birdwatchers took part in a ‘Search for Swifties’ field day, held in partnership with BirdLife Australia and Parks Victoria.
“We also undertook a swift parrot bird survey at Killawarra Forest, where a flock of swift parrots were observed and recorded,” Ms Marais said.
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