The swift parrot, also known by the palawa kani name swift waylitja, is a species of broad-tailed parrot, found only in southeastern Australia. The species breeds in Tasmania during the summer and migrates north to southeastern mainland Australia from Griffith-Warialda in New South Wales and west to Adelaide in the winter. It is a nomadic migrant, and it settles in an area only when there is food available. The Swift Parrot was voted 2023 Bird of the Year in The Guardian Australia and BirdLife Australia's biennial poll.
Region
Southeastern Australia
Typical Environment
Breeds in eastern and southeastern Tasmania, especially in forests dominated by blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and black gum (E. ovata). In winter it disperses to mainland southeastern Australia from Adelaide across Victoria to the NSW slopes and coast as far north as the Northern Tablelands. It favors flowering eucalypt forests and woodlands, box–ironbark country, coastal forests, and urban parks with nectar sources. The species is nomadic within seasons, moving rapidly to track flowering events. It will also use shelterbelts and roadside trees when in bloom.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The swift parrot breeds only in Tasmania, then undertakes a long overwater migration across Bass Strait to mainland southeastern Australia for winter. It is highly dependent on flowering eucalypts, especially blue gum and black gum, and shifts nomadically to track nectar. Major threats include habitat loss and predation at nests by introduced sugar gliders. It was voted Australia’s Bird of the Year in 2023.
migrant in Canberra, ACT
A juvenile swift parrot in Tasmania.
Swift Lorikeet (Lathamus discolor) illustrated by Elizabeth Gould (1804–1841) for John Gould's (1804–1881) Birds of Australia (1972 Edition, 8 volumes).
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms loose flocks while foraging in winter and may associate with other nectar-feeding birds. Breeds in tree hollows, typically in mature eucalypts near food sources. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season and show strong site fidelity to productive breeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, tinkling chimes and rapid chatters given in flight and while feeding. Contact calls carry well over canopy level, and flocks can sound continuously conversational when on blooming trees.
