This text is from my book about Canberra. Canberra Birds: A Report on the first 21 years of the Garden Bird Survey. Several of these species have become much more common in the 13 years since the period covered in my book (1981-2002). In particular the Little Corella, Rainbow Lorikeet and Superb Parrot are now fairly easy to find, though not in the same suburbs or time of year. I have had 13 species in or over my garden, although only four species are in my garden every day. PARROTS Parrots comprise a major and increasing part of Canberra’s avifauna. The species that are almost constantly around most suburbs are the Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella and Eastern Rosella and in the cooler months in some suburbs the Gang-gang Cockatoo and Australian King-Parrot. All are seed-eaters, though the lorikeets are mainly nectar-feeders. Many will be attracted to the fruit of foreign trees such as apples, plums, etc. and many will readily come to seed provided for them. This supplementary feeding may be a major factor in the increase in the population of several species. Most resident species have average group size in the 2 to 10 range, as parrots generally are fairly sociable. As well as several naturally occurring common species, there are native species that are locally rare or out of their typical range. Also many exotic or native species of escaped or released pet birds or their progeny, are observed. It is common for escaped native parrots to associate with similar sized common native species and they may survive for extended periods. Lesser recorded parrots include: Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri Rank: 166; Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Rank: 183; Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna Rank: 162; Purple-crowned Lorikeet Glossopsitta porphyrocephala Rank: 219; Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus Rank: 192; Yellow Rosella Platycercus elegans flaveolus Rank: 179; Mallee Ringneck Barnardius barnardi Rank: 188; Port Lincoln Ringneck Barnardius zonarius Rank: 138; Red-capped Parrot Purpureicephalus spurius Rank: 196; Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor Rank: 184; Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella Rank: 202; Fischer’s Lovebird Agapornis fischeri Rank: 208; Peachface Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis Rank: 116; Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Rank: 164. As well as these, there are several records of hybrids of the Eastern and Crimson Rosella but these are not monitored separately in the GBS. Note that the Yellow Rosella is counted as separate from the conspecific Crimson Rosella, because the presence of that sub-species is entirely separate from the naturally occurring Crimson Rosella. Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami A rare species whose occurrence is characterised by many years of absence in between periods when here, sometimes lasting several months. At those times small groups appear at a few locations, notably Mt Majura, Mt Ainslie and to the south of Canberra near Tharwa. It is the most specialised feeder of the local parrots, feeding on Allocasuarina cones. There are only three GBS records, comprising three observations of ten, one and three individuals in Years 2, 3 & 15 at Sites 14, 65 & 232 respectively. Rank: Rank: 181, A = 0.00030, F = 0.25%, W = 0.1, R = 0.006%, G = 4.80. Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus This is our largest parrot and a very conspicuous bird. It is common in the forest areas (including pine forests) around Canberra. Interestingly, their average group size of 12.50 is the highest for any parrot. This is because there are many observations of even quite large flocks of up to 100 birds in the GBS. Most records are from suburbs on the western side of the city where the birds are noted moving to or from the ranges. There is a strong seasonal trend with birds almost absent from October till February and numbers increasing from March through to a peak in August. This probably relates to breeding cycles when the birds are in the ranges breeding over summer. It is in the late winter, that flocks congregate and move through the city. There has been a marked increase in its abundance. There were none recorded in Years 1, 6 or 9 and very few for the first ten years. Since then, the numbers have increased significantly though not evenly. Graphs on page: 93, Rank: 97, A = 0.08085, F = 8.04%, W = 8.4, R = 0.647%, G = 12.50. Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Well-known bird about Canberra, confiding and appealing, mostly an arboreal species, typically in pairs or small groups of up to six birds. Generally less conspicuous than other large parrots. It does not appear to be evenly distributed, being more common in the inner suburbs that are close to reserve areas such as Mt Ainslie and Black Mountain. It occurs, but far less regularly in the outer and less developed suburbs. From a low of numbers in December and January, rises steadily to a peak in April and May, then declines again though is even from June to September. This is probably due to partial altitudinal migration, with many birds going to the ranges to breed, although some breed locally. Numbers were fairly evenly high from 1981 to 1986 then particularly low in 1987 to 1989. Then have slowly but unevenly increased again to the highest level recorded for the species in 1998. Breeding records have also increased, first recorded in Year 5 then most years since then. Most records are of dependent young. These can be at any time of year, though most are from March to July. Graphs on page: 93, Rank: 25, Breeding Rank: 27, A = 0.66000, F = 70.52%, W = 51.8, R = 21.848%, G = 3.02. Galah Cacatua roseicapilla This is now one of our most familiar birds. It occurs in small to very large flocks in all open habitats and suburbs. It will readily feed from seed provided by people. From a low in September and October numbers increase steadily to a high in June then decline steadily again. The annual amplitude was especially high in the first two years and has now evened off a lot. Records from early in Canberra’s history show this species as a rare and celebrated visitor to the region. In Year 17 it reached number one spot, retaining it in Years 18 to 20. Numbers over the years had been mostly stable, with an increase over the last six years. Always among the most widespread of species. Breeding records have increased over the first few years then fluctuated around a high level. First few observations of inspecting hollows, nest building or copulation in late July but mostly through August and September, activities at nest have finished by end of November. First dependent young from mid October, though the great majority of breeding records are of dependent young through summer and very few further records after mid March. Graphs on page: 94, Rank: 2, Breeding Rank: 8, A = 6.49478, F = 99.38%, W = 52.0, R = 77.968%, G = 8.33. Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris The status of this species is unclear, its natural range is far from our area in south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia. There are unexpected populations appearing in many areas. The two Corella species are similar and confusable when observed at a distance. It is likely that the individuals recorded are derived from escaped or released pet birds. The eight records mostly comprise repeat observations of one or two widespread in time and location but one observation in Year 11 at Site 148 is of 13 birds. Rank: 147, A = 0.00074, F = 0.67%, W = 1.1, R = 0.048%, G = 1.55. Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea The status of this species is unclear, its natural range is semi-arid inland Australia. There are unexpected populations appearing in many areas of Australia, even coastal regions. The monthly pattern of abundance appears quite smooth. This is suggestive of natural processes rather than random escapes. The low in October is typical of the pattern shown by other parrots. From October it increases smoothly to a peak in January then declines. The January peak is unique among parrots. However any credence to this result should wait until there is further evidence, as it is largely based on few years. In recent years it has become quite widespread, occuring at many sites. Sometimes in large flocks of up to 40 birds. One record of birds inspecting hollow in Year 14 at Site 225. Graphs on page: 94, Rank: 98, Breeding Rank: 70, A = 0.03869, F = 7.88%, W = 17.3, R = 1.083%, G = 3.57. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Conspicuous, big, distinctive and noisy, this species readily inhabits gardens and feeds from seed provided by people. Normally feeds on the ground in large flocks. From a low in November it increases steadily to a high in June-July then declines steadily again. Although the pattern is the same every year, the amplitude shows quite a lot of variation. This is particularly noticeable in that the summer lows have steadily increased, whereas the winter peaks have become more variable. Numbers have risen significantly, having more than quadrupled. Breeding records occur through the year. Observations of inspecting hollows or birds at nests from August to December. Most dependent young from mid December through to late in autumn, though some even extend through to July. Graphs on page: 94, Rank: 8, Breeding Rank: 18, A = 4.86531, F = 97.20%, W = 52.0, R = 66.519%, G = 7.31. Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Natural occurrences of this species are rare in this region. Many records are of escaped pets although their numbers peak in October, January and February with few in winter. There is a marked contrast to the Budgerigar in that many records involve a bird observed from the same site for several weeks in succession, so this bird may be better able to survive release. One observation in February of Year 6 at Site 152, of five birds flying in a flock was almost certainly of genuine wild birds. The same may be true of two observations of four birds and one of three. Rank: 109, A = 0.00130, F = 2.54%, W = 2.7, R = 0.107%, G = 1.21. Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus The pattern shown by this conspicuous and easily identified species is not at all clear. This goes against the preliminary results of Veerman (1991a). The trend described therein for Melbourne has held up but the increase described for Canberra has not continued. There is a February to April peak in numbers but when combined with staying fairly similar from July till January, that does not suggest a natural seasonal pattern at this stage. The monthly pattern is far from consistent. In some years the birds may be passage migrants, nomads or randomly occurring from escaped or released birds. Group size is small, up to ten birds noted. The numbers rose dramatically from Years 5 to 8 but then declined. Most records are from the Belconnen area, the north-west suburbs of Canberra. One record of birds inspecting hollow in Year 16 at Site 241. Graphs on page: 94, Rank: 101, Breeding Rank: 83, A = 0.01239, F = 6.57%, W = 14.0, R = 0.648%, G = 1.91. Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla A small and active parrot that feeds in the eucalypt canopy. There are no winter records and a clear December peak that suggests it is a summer migrant. However the numbers are so low this is uncertain. Rank: 123, A = 0.00090, F = 1.51%, W = 0.9, R = 0.039%, G = 2.32. Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis The largest of the brightly coloured local parrots, it is common in the ranges to the west of Canberra. Large numbers could be observed flying to and from the Stromlo forest roost sites (these are now burned down). This species has a very obvious seasonal pattern with a low in numbers in December, rising dramatically to a high in June, then declining. The fact that June abundance is higher than that of July (eleven months earlier), is most likely due to the steady population increase of the species. Its numbers have increased dramatically, with a greater than ten-fold increase from Year 1 to 21, in a very smooth progression. The amplitude of the monthly pattern appears to have increased basically in proportion to the overall increase in numbers. It is hard to suggest why the increase in this species was so dramatic. There is little room for observer bias or over or under recording it. Maybe more people are providing food for parrots over this period. Average group size (3 to 5) has stayed similar over the years. In Year 1 it was only recorded on only 42 weeks, every year since it has been recorded on 52 weeks, except one year of 51. In early years most records were from inner suburban suburbs only. Since then, it has been recorded at increasing proportion of sites and more outer suburban locations. It still shows a preference for the inner suburbs and is not often recorded from the outer, newer sites that have little vegetation. Breeding records have increased (none in Years 1, 3, 4, 7, ten in Year 17). The species probably breeds in forest, there are no GBS nest records. All breeding records are of dependent young and the time span is narrow. First few observations are in mid October with the great majority in January and February, with the last isolated one in mid April. Graphs on page: 94, Rank: 24, Breeding Rank: 16, A = 1.38662, F = 73.82%, W = 51.5, R = 34.967%, G = 3.97. Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii Canberra is on the south eastern edge of the natural part of this bird’s range (Davey 1997), so it is not surprising that the majority of records are from the north-western suburbs. It requires open woodland with grass understorey. It has a very strong seasonal distribution pattern, with a clear peak in the summer time. Only two observations during winter, both in Year 21 in southern Canberra. There was even one observation of 30 birds in January 1990 at Site 221. Rank: 122, A = 0.00163, F = 1.60%, W = 1.7, R = 0.066%, G = 2.47. Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans A very conspicuous bird, by its dramatic colours, noise and confiding disposition. At home in any garden area and readily comes to seeds and fruit trees. This species has minimum numbers in November and December rising quickly to a peak in February. Then numbers stay stable until July before dropping steadily to the November low. The amplitude is small but the pattern is very regular. Like the Australian King-Parrot, this species has increased, having doubled in numbers. The reasons for the increase are likely to be similar but not actually known, most likely due to increased food supply. Always recorded all weeks of the year and usually from all sites each year. The proportion of observer-weeks in which it was observed (R%) has also increased over the years. Indeed for six recent years it has achieved among the highest recording rates of any species on any year, at about R = 90%. The number of breeding records has varied randomly but there is evidence of a real change in behaviour. For the first six years all breeding records were of dependent young only. Since Year 7 there have been regular records of adults on nests and inspecting hollows in the months August to October. Dependent young records entirely contained within the months of November to February, apart from rare early records in late October. Graphs on page: 94, Rank: 4, Breeding Rank: 12, A = 2.91054, F = 98.79%, W = 52.0, R = 77.863%, G = 3.74. Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius A conspicuous bird, by its bright colours, noise and confiding disposition. At home in any garden area, it readily comes to seeds and fruit trees. It feeds on grass seeds on the ground more than the Australian King-Parrot and Crimson Rosella. It occurs in smaller groups than the Crimson Rosella. The monthly pattern is similar to that of the Crimson Rosella but not so well defined or consistent. Numbers are lowest in spring but only by a small margin, this is probably related to breeding. Overall numbers of this species have been remarkably constant, apart from a smooth undulation over successive years. This is curious, in that if the provision of food by people has been a factor, it could be expected that all three species would have been affected similarly. This may be because the Eastern Rosella is an inhabitant of open woodland and so the development of Canberra has not affected it so much. Whereas the other two species are by preference forest inhabitants and the initial clearing of land reduced their population and subsequent revegetation as the city matured allowed them to increase. The increase was most dramatic in the largest species, intermediate for the middle one and non-occurring in this species and the smaller (next) species has decreased. Breeding records appear to have been stable. Activity at nest from mid August to mid December. Dependent young from mid October to mid March though the majority are in January and February. Graphs on page: 94, Rank: 10, Breeding Rank: 14, A = 1.48157, F = 96.53%, W = 52.0, R = 57.693%, G = 2.57. Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus A smaller and less conspicuous parrot than those above. The female is the only well camouflaged parrot occurring locally. It tends to feed in small flocks among rough grass and fly higher than the larger parrots, making it less likely to be noticed. However, these attributes do not account for its change in status. It shows a monthly pattern quite similar to that of the other common parrots but is the least well defined or consistent of the group. From low numbers in November, increases till February and stays fairly consistent until May with a jump to June before declining through springtime. The species appears to be in strong decline, so there may be a basis for concern on its long-term trends but the evidence is confusing at this stage. It could also be that the species just shows strong fluctuations in numbers and has done so three times. It seems unlikely that the cause would be increased competition with larger parrots consequent on their status increase, as the niche overlap would be minimal. Provision of seed by people may not have aided this species, which feeds mainly on seeding grasses and herbs. Likely causes may be increased competition for nesting sites by the Common Myna, which has not reduced numbers of the larger parrots and increased competition for food by the Crested Pigeon. It may be as simple as the species not adapting to the aging of suburbs and increased vegetation around the sites that are being surveyed. It shows a preference for a more rural open country type of landscape. It remains common in those areas. Breeding records have declined dramatically, 13 in the first seven years, compared with 4 in the last eleven years (one of which was just copulation). Most are from sites close to reserve areas. Activities at nest from mid September to late January. Dependent young from late October to late February. Graphs on page: 94, Rank: 37, Breeding Rank: 34, A = 0.40212, F = 39.94%, W = 50.6, R = 8.895%, G = 4.52. Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus The occurrence of wild Budgerigars in our region is at best a remote possibility and only feasible during severe drought. There is nothing to suggest that any of these birds are other than escaped pets. As expected, the monthly pattern shown is random, though with summer numbers much higher than winter. All observations are of one or two birds (wild Budgerigars typically occur in large flocks) and many chart comments mentioned that the birds were not wild colour type (e.g. they were blue birds). Very few observations are followed by another at the same site on the next week. So most of these birds probably either wander at random, do not survive or are recaptured. It is suspected that there may be some under-recording, as some observers, recognising that birds found are escaped pets by their colour pattern or behaviour, failed to record them. This is unfortunate because this species provides a useful baseline for assessing the number of other escaped pets. This species has been recorded most years (none in Years 17, 18, 19 or 21) and is the only pet with that distinction. Rank: 107, A = 0.00124, F = 3.64%, W = 3.0, R = 0.117%, G = 1.06. —–Original Message—– From: Birding-Aus [mailto:birding-aus-bounces@birding-aus.org] On Behalf Of John Harris Sent: Thursday, 4 June 2015 2:02 PM To: Frank O’Connor Cc: birding-aus@birding-aus.org Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] ADVERTISEMENT – Parrots per sq KM which state has the most? Hi All, I would like to put forward my home block in Croydon, Vic as being up there. I have recorded 11 species from my 450m2 house block in suburbia – Gang Gang, Galah, Sulphur-crested, Long-billed Corella, Short-billed Corella, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, King Parrot, Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, Rainbow and Musk Lorikeets. On any day, I could see up to 8 of these 
Based on the km2 and extrapolating the species count, my total would be 24,444.44….. species per km2. So who else is up there with that? Regards John [?] *Yours in all things* “*GREEN”* *John Harris BASc, GDipEd* *Croydon, Vic* *Director – Wildlife Experiences Pty Ltd* *Principal **Zoologist/**Ecologist* *Nature Photographer* *Wildlife Guide* *wildlifeexperiences@gmail.com < wildlifeexperiences@gmail.com>* *www.flickr.com/photos/wildlifeexperiences
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