Little Corellas
Little Corellas are a common parrot in many parts of South Australia – and in other parts of Australia too. Flocks numbering in the hundreds and sometimes in the thousands are relatively common. The noise of a flock of five hundred to a thousand can be deafening as they fly overhead.
Pests
Both Little and Long Billed Corellas can become a pest species when they gather in such large numbers. Not only do they destroy grain crops they can cause a great problem in other ways, such as stripping leaves and bark from native trees and even damaging buildings and power lines. When they get to pest proportions like this people not only get upset with their raucous noises, they start counting the cost of the damage to property.
Calls for Culling
From time to time there are reports in newspapers and on television programmes for these beautiful birds to be culled. One such report was on our news last night. One local football club has had extensive damage caused by corellas to their light towers which are used on training nights.
I don’t believe culling will achieve much as it is a short term “solution.” It’s a perplexing and perennial problem – and I don’t have the answer. It just saddens me that people get to such a state that culling seems to be the only course of action.
Mallee Ringneck Parrots
Over recent days I’ve been aware of several Mallee Ringneck parrots getting around in our garden. The Mallee Ringneck is one of the sub-species of the Australian Ringneck. I’ve heard them calling quite a deal over recent times and have seen them on a few occasions as the glide their way through the mallee trees in our garden.
Mallee Ringneck Parrot
Breeding
On several occasions we have observed a pair being pursued by two or three juveniles, so they must have bred somewhere nearby. Earlier this week I saw two of them investigate a hollow in one of the old mallee trees near our garage. I have seen them inspecting this potential nesting hollow on other occasions with no result, so I won’t be holding my breath this time either.
Birdbath
Today two Mallee Ringnecks came down to the birdbath while we were having lunch. Even though they have visited the birdbath before – assuming it is the same individuals – they were still very cautious. They both carefully sidled along a nearby branch before settling on the rim of the water container and having a drink. No bathing today and they only stayed long enough for a drink. This meant I was only able to take several photos before they flew off.
UPDATE:
The correct name for our ringnecks is the Australian Ringneck, but there are several distinct sub-species. The one in Western Australia is variously called the Port Lincoln Parrot, Western Ringneck or the Twenty-Eight Parrot (its call sounds like it is saying 28, 28). It has a much darker head than the eastern variations. The main sub-species in S.A., Victoria and N.S.W. is the Mallee Ringneck and there is another variation in Queensland known locally as the Cloncurry Ringneck.
These days they are regarded as one species; the fact that they are able to interbreed naturally with fertile offspring is the determining factor.
It is great to have such a beautiful bird in the garden.
For another article about this species click on this link
http://www.trevorsbirding.com/so-thats-whos-been-eating-my-flowers/
This article updated on 7th October 2015.
Orange Bellied Parrot
I have never seen an Orange Bellied Parrot.
This is despite their range extending to quite close to where I live. The reason is simple; this species is critically endangered and only about 180 individuals exist. Add to that their migratory habits – they only spend a few months each year in our area. They are found during the cooler months (April – September) along the south east coast of South Australia from the Coorong to the Victorian south coast. In the warmer months (October – March) they migrate to breed in Tasmania.
Special Protection
This species has received plenty of special attention over recent years. Attempts have been made to protect its habitat, especially their breeding grounds. Another landmark decision occurred this week when a proposal for a wind farm in Victoria was rejected.
To read more click here.
To read more about this beautiful bird and to see photos of it go to the Birds Australia site (click here).ÂÂ
Budgerigars
The Budgerigar is a small green and yellow parrot found throughout the inland parts of Australia. Flocks of hundreds and even thousands (if the conditions are right) are a spectacular sight. We’ve only once had a small flock in our garden in Murray Bridge, South Australia. On one occasion while birding near Mildura, Victoria, we witnessed a large flock feeding on the ground. They are a truly spectacular species to see in the wild.
Budgerigars are also a very commonly kept pet throughout the world. Pet birds have a reputation for escaping from aviaries. It is in this context that a wild population became established in Florida. This population once grew to some 20000 or so, but has more recently died out. This wild population now numbers only about 100 individuals.
For more, click here.
Budgerigars, Cleland Wildlife Park
Purple Crowned Lorikeets
4 Comments »2nd April, 2006; Category: Birds, Flowers, General, Murray Bridge, Parrots and Lorikeets, Photos
One species I forgot to mention yesterday was the Purple Crowned Lorikeet. Like many Australian parrots and lorikeets, the Purple Crowned is a gregarious, noisy, restless bird found in many parks and gardens in southern Australia. It ranges south of a line from Geraldton Western Australia through to eastern Victoria (but not Tasmania).
Garden Visitor
I can’t say that they are a resident species in our garden – they don’t seem to stay long enough! When the mallee is in flower they come on rushed sorties into the trees in near the house, feed for a while before screeching off to the next feeding ground. Their underwing patch of red distinguishes them from the slightly larger Musk Lorikeet (which is an uncommon species here in Murray Bridge).
Difficult to photograph
These bright green parrots with a prominent red forehead and purple coloured crown are very difficult to photograph – or so I have found. Many times they just go darting overhead as they pass from one clump of trees to another. When they do decide to stop in our garden they are so cryptic in the leaves and flowers of the eucalyptus tree where they are feeding that it becomes hard to see where the leaf ends and the bird begins. I almost dispair of ever getting a clear photo of this species.
Challenge
One of the field guides* I use regularly describes their flight as “bullet-like”. As they go rocketing across the sky past our garden, their “zitt-zitt-zitt” calls seem to challenge me. “Catch us if you can,” they seem taunt as they fly by.
*Pizzey, G and Knight, F “The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia” (Angus and Robertson 1997)