Living With Wildlife
Cockatoo and Parrot
Family: Cacatuidae, Psittacidae
Scientific names: various - not specified
Cockatoos and Parrots in the Environment
There are a wide range of Cockatoo, Parrot and Lorikeet species found across the Northern Territory.
Cockatoos and Parrots typically nest in tree hollows, with breeding activity often associated with seasonal changes and food availability. Some Parrot species aid in flower pollination and are important to a range of native plant species.
Parrots are one of the most colourful and recognisable groups of bird, with many species commonly kept as pets.
Feeding
Cockatoos and Parrots feed on a wide range of foods, including seeds, flowers, fruits and grasses. However, Lorikeets are highly specialised feeders and use their long brush-tipped tongue to feed on flower nectar and fruit. Cockatoos and Parrots travel considerable distances to source seasonal foods and water, often forming huge flocks.
Threats
Illegal smuggling of Cockatoos and Parrots for the pet trade threatens the survival of a number of Australian species. Removal of suitable nesting hollows also negatively impacts on this bird family. Most Parrot and Cockatoo species that are encountered in urban environments, such as Budgerigars and Corellas, are prolific and found throughout the majority of the Northern Territory. However, urban Parrots and Cockatoos often fall victim to cat and dog attacks, collisions with cars and window strikes.
Interactions With People
In areas occupied by humans, Cockatoos and Parrots take advantage of reliable food supplies and well irrigated habitats. In agricultural districts, birds can form huge flocks which can cause significant damage to fruit and grain crops. During nesting, Cockatoos may also cause severe damage to mature trees and occasionally wooden structures, such as building frames and fences. Considerable mess may also be caused by roosting birds defecating on cars and outdoor furniture.
What You Can Do
If you have problems with Cockatoos or Parrots in your area, there are a number of things that you can try to reduce these problems:
- Prune back trees and shrubs and remove excessive fruit that may attract birds.
- Hang strips of alfoil, aluminium pie dishes or blank CDs in affected trees to deter birds.
- Move or cover vehicles and other equipment that may be below roosting sites.
- Remove tall trees that may be selected by Parrots and Cockatoos as roosting sites.
- Reduce the availability of fruit by tying bags around developing fruit on the trees and removing excess fruit from trees.
- In the initial stages of Cockatoos and Parrots moving into your backyard, air horns or other loud noises (e.g. banging on pots) may encourage birds to move to another area.
- Restrict the movement of pet cats, or attach bells on their collars to reduce bird attacks.
All native species of Cockatoos, Parrots and Lorikeets are protected in the Northern Territory. For this reason, it is important that members of the public do not interfere with these animal without an appropriate permit.
