Night Parrot
Geopsittacus occidentalis
Conservation Status
EndangeredAves · Psittaciformes · Psittacidae
About
The night parrot is a small parrot endemic to the continent of Australia. It has also been known as porcupine parrot, nocturnal ground parakeet, midnight cockatoo, solitaire, spinifex parrot and night parakeet. It is one of the most elusive and mysterious birds in the world, with no confirmed sightings of the bird between 1912 and 1979, leading to speculation that it was extinct. Sightings since 1979 have been extremely rare and the bird's population size is unknown, though based on the paucity of records it is thought to number between 50 and 249 mature individuals, and it is classified by the IUCN as a critically endangered species.
Fun Fact
The Night Parrot was considered possibly extinct for over a century until a live individual was photographed in 2013, making it one of the world's most mysterious birds.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occurred in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, south-western Queensland, the Lake Eyre basin in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Diet
Eats seeds of grasses (especially Enneapogon purpurascens and Triodia) and herbs.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Poaching and Hunting
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Disease