High nest survival, but variable reproductive output in the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii)

ABSTRACT

Quantifying the reproductive output of species is fundamental in understanding population dynamics, life history, and in conservation management. The use of multiple metrics to quantify reproductive variation allows for a clear interpretation of the species’ breeding biology and is often needed for robust models of population trajectory. Using measures of nest survival, clutch size, brood size, and nestling body condition we quantified reproductive output and annual variation of the Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii over 5 years in Canberra, Australia. We found consistent nest survival probability, maintained at over 89% throughout the nesting period in all years of study, but variation in all other metrics. Clutch sizes of Superb Parrots varied annually, and we found seasonal declines in both clutch and brood sizes. Furthermore, nestling body condition also varied annually and by order in which hatching occurred. The annual breeding performance of this bird has implications for conservation assessment and provides critical baseline data. Continuing to address critical knowledge gaps in Superb Parrot ecology and biology should be prioritised to better inform management and resolve the uncertainty that remains in the species’ conservation status.

KEYWORDS:

• Productivity
• body condition
• threatened species
• conservation
• Australian bird

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Chris Davey, Stuart Harris, Clare McInnes, Ingrid Stirnemann, Shoshana Rapley, and the Rangers of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service for their assistance during the project. We thank Mark and Meg Hartmann for their support and access to their property. Thanks to Jenny Newport for logistical and permit/ethics administrative support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2022.2153257

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, CWP Renewables, and an Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) scholarship. The work was undertaken with ANU Animal Ethics and Experimentation Committee approval [#A2018/54] and a scientific permit from the ACT Government [#LT201795].