Winter habitat use by the endangered, migratory Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) in New South Wales

Abstract

Migratory birds are dependent on a combination of suitable wintering, migration and breeding habitats. Identification and protection of these habitats is essential for the conservation of the birds. The endangered Swift Parrot (Psittacidae: Lathamus discolor) migrates north from Tasmania to south-eastern mainland Australia in search of suitable winter food resources. This 5-year study examines the use of known winter foraging habitats by Swift Parrots on a statewide scale not previously attempted. Swift Parrots used a diversity of winter foraging habitats in regions of the coast and western slopes of New South Wales each year, including several habitats that occur in endangered ecological communities. The abundance of Swift Parrots in New South Wales fluctuated significantly between years and regions, with coastal areas providing important drought-refuge habitats for a large proportion of the population. Over half of all foraging sites were used repeatedly, highlighting their likely importance for conservation. Landscapes containing winter foraging habitat included scattered trees, remnant vegetation and continuous forests, and Swift Parrots foraged extensively on lerp and nectar from a diversity of tree species within these. The occurrence of Swift Parrots at foraging sites was primarily associated with the abundance of lerp, nectar and non-aggressive competitors.