Night Parrot: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Parrots and Colourful Birds · day 4 of 7

Five facts

1. From 1912 to 1979, nobody confirmed seeing a night parrot, and some thought it had died out. It is one of the most mysterious birds on Earth.
2. This parrot lives mostly on the ground and comes out at night. It only takes to the air when frightened or looking for water.
3. Its home seems to be spinifex grass, which still covers much of Australia's dry, dusty interior.
4. In 2015, a live night parrot nicknamed Pedro was caught and fitted with a radio tag. A reserve of some 56,000 hectares now protects the area.
5. In 2024, Ngururrpa rangers found up to 50 night parrots in the Great Sandy Desert, the largest group known, plus nests and eggs.

The quiz

1. During which years was there no confirmed sighting of a night parrot?

• From 2015 to 2024
• From 1912 to 1979 (correct)
• From 1990 to 2000
• From 2005 to 2013

No sighting was confirmed between 1912 and 1979.

2. When does the night parrot fly?

• Every evening, to sleep in trees
• Only when scared or looking for water (correct)
• On long migrations each winter
• Whenever it chases flying insects

It stays mostly on the ground and flies only when panicked or seeking water.

3. Which plant seems to be the night parrot's natural home?

• Spinifex grass (correct)
• Bamboo
• Sugar cane
• Mangrove trees

Its natural habitat appears to be spinifex grass in dry inland Australia.

4. What did scientists do with Pedro, the night parrot caught in 2015?

• Sent it to a zoo
• Moved it to an island
• Fitted it with a radio tag (correct)
• Kept it as a pet

Pedro was caught alive in 2015 and radio tagged.

5. How many night parrots did rangers find in the 2024 stronghold?

• Up to 5
• Up to 5,000
• Up to 50,000
• Up to 50 (correct)

In 2024 rangers found up to 50 birds, the largest known population.

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