The Rare Night Parrot Learn the Mysteries of Australia’s Nocturnal Parrot

The night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) is a critically endangered bird species endemic to the arid interior of Australia. As one of only two nocturnal parrot species in the world, the night parrot has captivated the attention of ornithologists and bird enthusiasts for over a century. Despite its critically endangered status and the limited knowledge about its biology and behavior, recent studies have shed light on some of the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic species.

• The night parrot, believed extinct for over a century, was dramatically rediscovered in 2013, sparking renewed interest and intensive research efforts to understand and protect this enigmatic species.
• With its muted greenish-yellow plumage and terrestrial habits, the night parrot is uniquely adapted to the sparse spinifex grasslands that it calls home, relying on camouflage for protection rather than flight.
• Recent studies reveal that unlike other nocturnal birds, the night parrot may not have superior night vision, suggesting unique evolutionary adaptations to its nocturnal niche.
• The night parrot faces numerous threats including predation by invasive species, habitat disruption, and accidental deaths from fence collisions due to its poor night vision.
• Conservationists recommend removing hazardous fences and managing predators, alongside detailed habitat preservation to protect this vulnerable species.

Rediscovery of the Night Parrot

The night parrot was thought to be extinct for more than a century, with no confirmed sightings between 1912 and 1990. In 1990, a dead night parrot was discovered by chance on a roadside in southwestern Queensland, reigniting hope that the species might still survive in the wild. It wasn’t until 2013 that the first live night parrots were photographed using camera traps, confirming the existence of a small population in the region.

Night Parrot Sightings Timeline

1845-1875: 25 specimens collected
1912: Last authenticated report before the species was thought to be extinct

1979:

• Shane Parker, an ornithologist from the South Australian Museum, spotted an apparent flock in the far north of South Australia

1990:

• A roadkill specimen was discovered by scientists in a remote part of Queensland

April 2005: Minga Well sighting

• Three individuals seen near Minga Well, Pilbara region of Western Australia and near the Fortescue Marshes

September 2006: Dead individual

• Dead female found, having flown into a barbed wire fence in Diamantina National Park in southwestern Queensland

April 2015: Live individual capture

• Steve Murphy and Rachel Barr captured and radio-tagged a live individual, nicknamed “Pedro”, in a secret southwestern Queensland location

2016:

• Nicholas Leseberg photographed a fledgling in the Pullen Pullen Reserve in Western Queensland

January 2017:

• Whistle call attributed to night parrot recorded in southern Northern Territory by Chris Watson and Mark Carter

March 2017:

• Photograph of a living specimen in Western Australia, seen by four birders from Broome

February 2018:

• Image of a young bird, aged 3 to 5 months old, recorded by Nicholas Leseberg, in Pullen Pullen Reserve

June 2017 – April 2018:

• Targeted environmental survey confirms the presence of night parrots around Kumpupintil Lake in Western Australia

November 2018:

• Second known photo captured in the Great Sandy Desert in the Kimberley region of Western Australia by Indigenous Desert Lions rangers

August 2020:

• Indigenous rangers of the Martu people and University of Queensland record night parrot sounds in the Pilbara desert, around salt lakes

August 2021:

• The Martu Rangers capture the fourth confirmed photograph of the parrot in flight in a remote region of Western Australia

Retracted Records:

• May 2013: John Young claimed to have made the first photographs and video footage of a living specimen (later retracted)
• 2016: Young announced he found night parrots in Diamantina National Park (later retracted)
• September 2016: Camera trap records what appears to be a night parrot on Kalamurina Station (later retracted)
• July 2017: Single night parrot feather found in a finch nest on the Kalamurina property (later retracted)
• September 2018: Recording of a night parrot call from an acoustic monitor at Kalamurina (later retracted)

Physical Description and Habitat

The night parrot is a small, plump parrot with predominantly greenish-yellow plumage, speckled with yellow, brown, and black. Its cryptic coloration helps it blend in with the spinifex grass tussocks that dominate its arid habitat. The species is largely terrestrial, preferring to run between grass clumps rather than fly, although it is capable of flight and often takes to the air around dawn and dusk in search of grass seeds, its primary food source.

Surprising Vision Adaptations

A recent anatomical study of the night parrot’s visual system has revealed surprising insights into its nocturnal adaptations. Contrary to expectations, the night parrot’s eyes and visual processing areas in the brain are similar in size to those of day-active parrots. This suggests that the night parrot may not have the enhanced night vision typically associated with nocturnal species, such as owls. Instead, the study proposes that the night parrot’s vision is likely sensitive but with poor resolution, which could hinder its ability to detect obstacles and predators in low-light conditions.

Conservation Challenges and Threats

The night parrot’s critically endangered status can be attributed to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, predation by introduced species like foxes and feral cats, and the challenges posed by its poor night vision. It is possible that the night parrot’s inability to see well in the dark may make it more susceptible to collisions with wire fences, a common feature in the Australian outback. To mitigate this threat, it’s been recommended to remove unused fences and the use of more visible or alternative fencing strategies in areas where night parrots are known to occur.

Future Research and Conservation Efforts

The recent rediscovery of the night parrot has opened up new avenues for research and conservation. However, the species’ rarity and elusive nature continue to pose challenges for scientists seeking to unravel its mysteries. Future studies may focus on understanding the night parrot’s feeding habits, breeding biology, and the extent of its current distribution. Collaborative efforts between researchers, conservation organizations, and landowners will be crucial in protecting the night parrot’s habitat and ensuring the species’ long-term survival.

The night parrot’s remarkable story of rediscovery and the recent insights into its visual adaptations highlight the importance of continued research and conservation efforts for this enigmatic species. As scientists work to unravel the mysteries surrounding the night parrot’s biology and behavior, it is crucial that we take action to protect its remaining habitat and mitigate the threats it faces. By doing so, we can ensure that this unique and fascinating parrot continues to grace the arid landscapes of Australia for generations to come.