Night Parrot

## About

A night parrot photographed in 2013 by John Young.

## Background Information

### Alternate Name(s)

Night parakeet, Nocturnal ground parakeet, Midnight cockatoo, Solitaire, Spinifex parrot, Porcupine parakeet, Ghost parrot

## Classification

### Species

P. occidentalis

The night parrot ***(Pezoporus occidentalis)*** is one of two nocturnal parrot species, with the other being the more distantly related kākāpō ***(Strigops habroptila)*** and lives on the Australian mainland. Also known as the night parakeet and midnight cockatoo, the parrot's main body is a dark yellowish-green in colour and is mottled with yellow and black accents. The underbelly is bright yellow, while much of the primary flight feathers are a blackish-grey. The night parrot is what is known as a Lazarus taxa, a species that disappears from the fossil record at one point in time only to appear again through rediscovery. Night parrots are nocturnal however, their eyes may not be attributed to improved vision in low-light environments, according to a study conducted on a deceased individual in 2020. To elaborate, night parrots have eyes in similar size to their other nocturnal relatives however, they possess smaller optic nerves and lobes. In addition, their sight is likely similar or identical to that of a diurnal parrot species. After the analysis was conducted, it was determined that the night parrot's vision is likely sensitive, yet poor in resolution in dark environments. This discovery is confusing, as the night parrot's closest relatives, the eastern and western ground parrots ***(P. wallicus, P. flaviventis)***, have perfect eyes for a nocturnal lifestyle. The drastic difference in their vision properties may be explained by the divergence from a common ancestor, around 3.3Mya. All three species are also closely related to the budgerigar ***(Melopsittacus undulatus)*** poor eyesight, may prompt the destruction of abandoned structures and boundaries like fences, in order to limit night parrot casualties while flying at night. Night parrots can average 22-25cm (8.6-9.8in) in length from crown to tail and reach only 44-46cm (17.3-18in) in wingspan.

## Diet

Night parrots are herbivorous parrot species that forage exclusively at dawn and dusk. Most often, night parrots feed on grass seeds and herbs, their diet is likely more varied than this however, we have limited information of their ecology. They forage at dawn and dusk, either on the ground by running through shrublands and spinifex ***(Spinifex)***, or searching for available food by flying in large flocks to spot potential meals.

## Conservation Status

Night parrots are currently listed as critically endangered via the IUCN, being considered extinct previously. In 1996, a multitude of threats were considered to be factors in the species' decline however, evidence was absent. These potential threats included, habitat degradation by fires and larger herbivores (i.e. cattle, sheep, native herbivores), predation by invasive cats ***(Felis catus)*** and foxes ***(Vulpes vulpes)***, diseases such as avian pox and psittacine diseases, soil erosion/disturbance and water contamination (caused by larger herbivorous species and mining operations). Eggs and parrots are also taken despite being illegal however, this trafficking is much less common presently, to the point it has mostly ceased. Larger herbivores in general have caused damage to the night parrot population, particularly feral camels ***(Camelus dromedarius)*** and livestock which disturb waterholes/billabongs and the parrot's habitat respectively. A general decline in night parrot sightings since the 1880s has been blamed on invasive predation. This notion is backed up by the evidence that night parrots have remained mostly intact in areas where these predators do not exist, such as national parks. Though the night parrot is an adapt desert-species, long-term droughts may pose a threat through increased abundance in more drastic climate manipulations. After the discovery of the night parrot's continued existence in 2013, invasive species have been restricted and controlled in one parrot subpopulation and surveys are underway to determine the exact amount of individuals remaining. More surveys have been proposed, typically to review areas which have not been combed around Queensland and uncover reasoning for high sub-adult and adult parrot mortality, in order to control the cause. Control of predators (both native and feral) has also been proposed, especially against cats.

## Range and Population

The night parrot once inhabited the majority of the Australian interior and Red Centre, throughout each mainland Australian state and territory (with the exception of the A.C.T.) however, they are now restricted to select areas of Western Australia and Queensland. Night parrots live primarily on the ground, amongst spinifex plants, an arid group of grasses prolific in Australia. They would see a sharp decline in the 1870s and the last living specimen would be obtained in 1912, in Western Australia. For the next 67 years, the species was considered extinct however, ornithologist Shane Parker would claim to have seen a flock of night parrots in far north South Australia, in 1979. His claim was later backed up by the discovery of a roadkill female in 1990, spotted by scientists in Queensland. Sightings would only escalate from this point on, until 2013, when a group of live night parrots were photographed by naturalist John Young in the remote outback, nearly 140 years since their disappearance. It was labelled as "one of the most greatest stories of species rediscovery of recent times" by the New York Times. Today a population of 40-249 or possibly even 500 exist however, the decline is still occurring.

## Behaviour

Often called "the world's most mysterious bird", night parrots are a highly enigmatic species and their behavioural adaptations are largely unknown however, some information is known. The foraging behaviour of the species is understood well, we know they forage mostly at dusk, running along the ground between spinifex to find food and flying distances to find water. Night parrots are nomadic, moving in relation to the abundance of resources and never establishing long-lasting territories or home-ranges. Females do however, establish nests, mostly constructed in 'tunnels' in spinifex. They are comprised of sticks, twigs, spinifex blades and other natural materials. The night parrot's reliance on spinifex has given it the alternative name; spinifex parrot. Females will lay up to four small white eggs in these tunnels and though actual breeding times are said to come after heavy rainfall, the exact months are unknown. Night parrot chicks and breeding has been reported, displaying that a breeding subpopulation or multiple are still in existence. Though it is suspected that night parrots exclusively nest in spinifex, unverified reports claim they roost in caves and even dig burrows.

### Relationship with Humans

The creation of large structures in outback Australia, particularly barbed-fences, roads and agricultural settlements have caused night parrot casualties in the past. Fences are often seen as obstacles for the birds, particularly at night, when they are active. Whilst low flying in search of food, they are known to accidently run into fences, due to their poor eyesight. This often results in entanglement, injury and death. Due to how prolific fences are in the outback, it has been proposed that many abandoned or disused fences be torn down in order to salvage the dwindling population. Increased infrastructure in the outback has also been problematic. As roads grow more abundant, roadkill of night parrots and other desert species become more frequent, leading to modern decline. Finally, agriculture has caused the most pressing affect on night parrots through the years, as livestock numbers have grown immensely. Livestock has competed directly with night parrots through grazing in particular. Livestock also competes with the night parrot for water sources, which they often leave contaminated after use.

## Sources

* IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22685237/211825128
* Night Parrot | Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night\_parrot
* Night Parrot | Bush Heritage Australia - https://www.bushheritage.org.au/species/night-parrot
* Night Parrot | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Australia - https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/threatened-species-and-communities/threatened-animals/night-parrot
* Australia's Night Parrots Can't See At Night | Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2020/06/17/australias-night-parrots-cant-see-at-night/?sh=7ea706f018be
* Night Parrot-Profile | Office of Environment & Heritage, NSW Government - https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=20174
* Chasing the Night Parrot: Ghost Bird of Australia's Outback | New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/04/science/night-parrot-ghost-bird-australia.html