Wild Birds

Swift Parrot: Racing Against Extinction

The swift parrot is predicted to become extinct within 15 years without immediate action, making it one of the most urgent bird conservation emergencies globally.

Key Facts

Only 300-400 swift parrots remain in the wild in Tasmania and mainland Australia
Logging of blue gum forests removes critical breeding habitat
Feral sugar gliders predate adult parrots at nest sites, causing catastrophic nest failure
Predation-free breeding sites could save the species with urgent action
Climate change is reducing eucalyptus flowering that supports the species

Welfare Considerations

Swift parrots facing starvation during poor flowering years experience acute suffering as they cannot find sufficient nectar resources. Predation by sugar gliders at nest sites means female parrots are killed on eggs or young chicks, leaving chicks to starve. The psychological and physical suffering of the last individuals of a species in decline is difficult to assess but morally significant. Extinction is the ultimate welfare failure.

What You Can Do

Support Difficult Bird Research Group and BirdLife Australia swift parrot programs
Advocate for immediate protection of remaining blue gum logging coupes
Donate to predator control programs at swift parrot breeding sites
Raise awareness of the swift parrot emergency with governments and media
Support carbon pricing and climate action to reduce flowering failure risk