Night parrot rediscovered in Australia after decades of elusive absence

Night Parrot Rediscovered in Australia After Decades of Elusive Absence (Image: Canva)

The night parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis), has been rediscovered in Australia. Once unseen for over a century, the bird’s survival offers a rare glimpse into nature’s resilience.

A Critically Endangered Survivor

Native to arid and semi-arid regions, the night parrot is a medium-sized, ground-dwelling bird. Its population plummeted during the late 19th century due to pastoralism, habitat loss and feral predators.

Some reports have emerged across central and northern Western Australia, about this parrot. Though total numbers remain fewer than 100 individuals.

When were they rediscovered?

The night parrot was rediscovered in 2013 in southwestern Queensland after more than 100 years without confirmed sightings. Recent evidence has found small numbers of the bird persisting throughout parts of central and northern Western Australia, this indicates that the species may be in less trouble than previously thought and that we can reconsider earlier assumptions about its status.

Safe Havens & Survival

The night parrot thrives in regions under Indigenous people with intact habitat, little grazing and few feral cats or foxes. Larger bodies of spinifex naturally create shelter and food sources making it a safe location for any species survival.

Future Strategies

Although it is a positive step to rediscover the night parrot, the evening parrot is still listed as a critically endangered species. Continued monitoring of this rediscovered population will be important and securing habitat protection along with partnership actions with Indigenous people is very important to secure this iconic Australian species into the future.