Lathamus discolor
The Swift Parrot, *Lathamus discolor*, is a critically endangered and strikingly beautiful medium-sized parrot endemic to southeastern Australia. Measuring approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length and weighing 65-75 grams, it possesses a slender build, long pointed tail, and distinctive pointed wings, enabling its swift, direct flight. Its plumage is predominantly brilliant grass-green, brilliantly contrasted by a vivid scarlet face, chin, and throat, often with a faint streaking of green on...
Primarily inhabits temperate eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those with flowering E. globulus (Blue Gum) and E. ovata (Swamp Gum), from sea level to moderate elevations.
Primarily feeds on nectar and pollen from flowering eucalyptus species, supplemented by psyllids, lerps, and insect larvae gleaned from leaves, and occasionally seeds or fruits.
Swift Parrots are highly diurnal and gregarious, often observed in noisy, nomadic flocks during the non-breeding season, roosting communally in tree hollows or dense foliage. Their foraging strategy is specialized and opportunistic, involving rapid movements between flowering eucalypts where they...
The Swift Parrot's breeding range is entirely restricted to Tasmania, particularly along the eastern and southeastern coasts where mature blue gum (*Eucalyptus globulus*) and black gum (*Eucalyptus ovata*) forests provide essential nesting hollows and nectar. Following breeding, the entire popula...
Critically Endangered
- The Swift Parrot is one of only two truly migratory parrot species in the world (the other being the Orange-bellied Parrot). - They undertake an annual overwater migration of hundreds of kilometers across the Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia. - Their population has plummeted,...