Birds and Birding's Guide to:

Watching THE CUCKOO-LIKE BIRDS

THE PARROTS

Night Parakeet

Inhabiting much the same portions of Australia is the remarkable little monotypic Night Parakeet (GeopsiMacus occidentalis), which is peculiarly interesting from the fact that it is the only Australian member of its group having nocturnal habits, and moreover it is almost the only one which attempts to build a nest. Although it was first brought to scientific attention by Gould, this great naturalist was unable to record anything regarding its habits, but it has since been learned that it is mainly a ground bird. In an interesting account the late Mr. F. W. Andrews says: “

During the day this bird lies concealed in the inside of a tussock or bunch of porcupine grass, the inside being pulled out and a snug retreat formed for its protection. Here, also, its rough nest is formed and four white eggs laid. When the dark shades of evening have fairly set in, it comes out to feed, but generally flies direct to the nearest water, which is often a considerable distance from its nest; in some instances I have known them to fly a distance of four or five miles.

After drinking and shaking themselves up a little, they fly off to feed on the seeds of the porcupine grass, returning to water two or three times during the night.”In color this species is olive-green above, many of the feathers with a black middle, others with a spot of yellow, while the cheeks and sides of the neck are provided with small black spots, and the lower parts are sulphur-yellow, with black bands on the sides; the length is between nine and ten inches.

 

 

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