Hello Birds in BY members,
I am seeking your help please. I am a very new member. I have sighted what I think (with help from my field book {Jim Flegg’s photographic field guide and BiBY bird finder) are Superb Parrots. A small flock of 10-15 have been visiting for several weeks. They are back again today (30 Jan 2017). Swift in flight. Loud voices, perhaps more melodious than Crimson Rosella. Slightly smaller than Crimson Rosella. Brilliant green backs. Beautiful yellow forehead and throat and a red strip around throat where a scarf might be relatively tightly tied. The guides say Superbs are not usually in my area (Ballarat). They are too quick and scared for a photograph... staying in tops of trees mostly. And I am a novice with camera. There is a wild bird park nearby. Maybe they escaped. Can you help me with more identification means please?
Betty
What you've described sounds good for the male Superb Parrot, Betty. The female doesn't have the yellow face, forehead & throat.
Whether you're likely to see them in Ballarat is very problematic since their range had decreased significantly in recent years. Michael Morcombe's Field Guide to Australian Birds 2000 (& even the latest app version) has Ballarat within the species' range but Pizzey & Knight's The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia 2012 has the Superb Parrot's range just intruding into northern Victoria.
If what you've seen are in fact Superb Parrots then I'd say that's a very significant sighting which should be reported on Eremaea.
Thanks so much Woko.
I have been asking around neighborhood in the hope others might sight this bird /flock and or obtain a photograph. One person suggested the bird I’m seeing might be a Rainbow lorrikeet… but the flock was here again this week… and another good sighting told me it was nothing like a Rainbow lorikeet in colour or size (according to my field guide and BiBY). I will keep trying to obtain p[photograph.
thnaks again. Betty.
A photo would be really helpful in supporting your observation. Also, if you can get someone else to see these birds & corroborate your sightings then it would make your claim so much more definite.
Thanks Woko.
am trying these strategies, but the birds are devious... hiding as well as being swift.
I have gained support from two friends who are keen bird watchers... and who live locally. Here's hoping.
thanks again. Betty
Hi Betty,
Keep trying and good luck.
As Woko has confirmed, a flock of Superb Parrots in Ballarat would be a very significant record. Have a look at the ebird range map- records go only to the Vic/NSW border except for one record of an escapee in Melbourne. http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/map/suppar1?. Even more significant since Superb Parrots are classified as Vulnerable in NSW. Here in the ACT they have been more commonly seen over the months when they previously would not have been seen, with some suggesting a gradual southern shift in distribution due to Climate Change.
One thing to keep in mind is that Superb Parrots are slightly larger than Crimson Rosellas- closer to King Parrots in shape and size. Otherwise, your description sounds good for Superb Parrots.
Ryu
Canberra
Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
Thanks Ryu,
the parrot I am seeing (although not for past couple of days) is smaller than Crimson Rosella... so maybe not Superb. Colours go with Superb though. I will keep tryign for a photograph. I have enlisted others in the neighborhood to assist in sighting.
thanks for details re ebird range.
bm
Good work on recruiting the neighbourhood, betteton. You'll have your own bird watching group soon.
Thanks all... for your help. Alas, still no photo. And no further positive sightings. With your advice and that of locals who watch birds... I now think I must have been seeing a Little Lorrikeet.... But still ... one of my sightings clearly showed the colours/pattern of the Superb. But the size was smaller that the Crimson parrot. I will keep watching.
Flying across our backyard yesterday was a flock of yellow tailed black cockatoo. We don't see this cockatoo here in Mt Helen /Ballarat very often. My last previous sighting was 22/9/15.
I suggest Musk Lorikeet ! Or a Red-rumped ?
M-L
A Musk Lorikeet !
M-L
M-L
A red-rumped !
M-L