I live on the far coast of NSW between Narooma and Bermagui and the Swift Parrots are currently passing through. I have a suspicion that these birds are under-reported for a few reasons and I’d like to pass along some field notes to help others and for correction.
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3 comments to Swift Parrot observations and field notes |
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David, All sounds pretty accurate to me! They are called SWIFT Parrots for a reason!
Cheers, John Tongue Ulverstone, Tas.
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I went out at dusk again and waited for the Swift Parrots to come overhead and saw groups of 3, 4, 3 and about 2 dozen. I thought I’d pass along a few more observations on flight patterns while they’re fresh in my mind. I’d be very grateful to get some comments on flight behavior in Swift Parrots from people with experience.
* Flying overhead against a plain sky, Swift Parrots look more like Rainbows than anything else – but they still look different. Rainbows are lot more stocky looking as their tail never really disappears, even when they’re up high.
* It seems like Swift Parrots are much more likely to fly in a tight group at tree-top level than the Lorikeets.
* Even if you can’t see the tail, the parrots have a much longer-looking wing than, say, the Musk Lorikeets. Overall, they’re a very streamlined bird.
* They’re insanely fast. I’m used to getting my binoculars on flying parrots but these guys are tough. I was thinking it was the light or some kind of illusion, now I think that they’re either objectively faster, better at flying near to cover, or both. “Both”, is my impression.
* I’d say that the Swift Parrots are a lot more likely to fly acrobatically than the lorikeets. “Acrobatic” meaning, weaving, changing directly slightly and switching around position in the flock.
* The Swift Parrots seem to fly in tighter bunches than Rainbow Lorikeets.
That’s all pretty subjective and impressionistic so, again, I’d really like to hear what other people think. ===============================
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P.S. If you don’t already know the Swift Parrots, google around for some pictures – these guys are stunners! Here’s a page with a very nice portrait (scroll down):
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/migratory-birds.htm
P.P.S. If anyone is keen to see a Swift Parrot, they’re definitely in this area now and on the move. So, if you’re keen, your chances of finding one are good. ===============================
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