Orange-bellied Parrots have left their southern home at Melaleuca for their annual migration north, with estimates suggesting around 165 birds form this year’s departing flock.
It is made up of adults that have previously migrated, this season’s wild-born juveniles and captive-bred juvenile birds released to bolster the population before migration.
The wild population received a boost with the release of 51 captive-bred juveniles, 25 males and 26 females earlier this year. Bred by dedicated zoo partners and the our wildlife management facility, these birds were released ahead of migration to integrate with wild flocks.
These targeted releases of captive-bred juveniles play a vital role in strengthening the wild population, giving young birds the opportunity to learn essential migration behaviours alongside wild flocks and helping to build flock numbers ahead of their journey to the mainland.
Nest
box monitoring recorded 23 active nests, producing a minimum of 46 observed and
tagged fledglings.
Focus now shifts to building a clearer picture of their migration and survival. This year 49 birds were fitted with VHF transmitters to monitor the 2026 migration.
Tracking their migration movements helps improve our understanding of where these birds travel, how they use habitat and other vital data to help support the ongoing recovery of this highly endangered species.
Learn more about Orange-bellied parrots on our Orange-bellied parrots program web page.