Superb Parrots spend most of the year in the centre of NSW, up to the Queensland border; but come spring, they like the Riverina, South West Slopes and Southern Tablelands area west of the Great Divide to nest.

Adults will forage up to 10km from the nest site into woodland areas for seeds, nectar and berries. Wattle seeds are a favourite. The Blakeys Red Gum is a common nest tree, often with a generous amount of ‘mud gut’: rotted wood material within the trunk’s heart. This is a soft and cosy chamber in which young birds can develop. Other trees such as Yellow, Red and White box are also used, and standing dead trees.

In recent years, Superb Parrots have been seen moving further east in their breeding range. Small numbers have even been seen spending the entire year locally, rather than heading off around December to more western forage areas.

These changes could be a result of increased climate variability we are experiencing, or of reduced suitable habitat in their traditional range.

Either way, we are delighted they have decided to spend more time in the Upper Lachlan, and welcome hearing their distinctive ‘krak-karrark’ as they dash across our skies.