Canberra researchers are embarking on a new initiative to help find homes for a rare "fussy" parrot under threat by tree clearing and climate change.
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Canberra ornithologist Neil Hermes and his brother Ashley have began trialling specially-designed nest boxes for the vulnerable superb parrot on a Bethungra property.
The rare parrot, which is found in the Murrumbidgee and Riverina regions, uses tree nests for its breeding season, which begins in September.
But years of land clearing in the region for farmland has meant many of the birds' homes have been lost.
The brothers hope their latest efforts might help the local population find new homes.
"Superb parrots are pretty fussy about the hollows they like to nest in," Neil said.
"Pairs may nest in the same hollow for many years. If their nest tree is cut down, a pair may find it hard to locate a suitable new tree hollow.
"Nest boxes have been tried in other parts of the south-west slopes where the birds occur but, to date, superb parrots have not taken to them."
Using machinery, the brothers are placing the nest boxes high up in the trees, reaching eight metres high.
"Superb parrots are endangered birds and the loss of old hollow trees has badly affected the birds," Ashley said.
"Putting up nest boxes may be part of the answer to increasing the number of these beautiful birds.
"One of our challenges was to get the nest boxes high enough into the trees."
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While the birds have not taken up human-built nest boxes, Neil and his brother are using research by ACT Parks and Conservation Service ecologist Dr Laura Rayner.
In a joint research effort with the Australian National University, Dr Rayner's findings uncovered the specific conditions the fussy parrots prefer to build their families in.
Large tree limbs with deep chambers, wide entrances and plenty of floor space are key demands.
Only 0.5 per cent of tree follows actually fit the criteria, however, the research found.
Using this knowledge, brothers Neil and Ashley hope their work over the next few months will turn the tide for some of Canberra's most colourful residents.
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