Polytelis swansoniiThe Superb Parrot is also known as the Barraband or Green Leek. They are medium sized birds, about 400 mm long. They can be identified by their long bright green tails, green bodies and blue tipped wings. Males are a richer green than females and have a bright yellow forehead and throat which is banded by a bold red ring. In flight, their sleek bodies, long pointed tails and backward swept wings give them a distinctive silhouette.
Despite its elegant appearance, the Superb Parrot is a hardy bird which can live for up to 25 years. However, its range is very restricted and numbers are diminishing. It is listed as Rare or Vulnerable.
The clearing of box woodlands which provided forage and breeding sites is thought to be one of the main reasons for its decline. This, along with changes in agricultural activities, the clearing of dead trees for firewood, road kills, trapping and poaching have all contributed to a decline in the population. A further problem faced by the Superb Parrot is the invasion of its former nests by swarms of bees.
The Superb Parrot is endemic to the Murray-Darling Basin. It occurs mainly in the red gum forests and black box woodlands of the Riverina and northern Victoria. It migrates to over-winter along the Namoi and Castlereagh rivers in north-western New South Wales.
The birds return from wintering sites to the South-west Slopes, Murrumbidgee Valley and Barmah-Millewa Forests have been identified as the major breeding areas.
Superb Parrots are social birds and often feed in pairs or in small parties searching for seeds, nectar, and grains. During the breeding season, flocks of males can be seen feeding together and collecting food for nesting females. This is done two to three times a day over a month or more while the eggs and new hatchlings are developing.
Via: mdbc
