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Hooded Parrot (Psephotellus dissimilis)

The Hooded Parrot is a medium-sized parrot endemic to the Northern Territory, where it occurs in semi-arid savannah and open woodland. It excavates nest tunnels in termite mounds, so termite mounds and surrounding feeding habitat are important constraints during clearing and construction works.

Conservation status

Northern Territory, Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976: Near threatened.

Breeding season

The documented breeding period is April to August. The supplied sources do not provide detailed timing for laying, hatching, fledging or dispersal, so the seasonal profile uses the breeding period and identifies the remaining timing as not specified.

Months are January to December. Month scores are 0, not typical; 1, occurs; and 2, peak.

  • Breeding, nest excavation and laying: Breeding occurs once or twice a year between April and August. Nest excavation takes about three weeks, and clutches usually contain 4 or 5 eggs.
  • Young in nest or dependent: Eggs and young occur in termite mound cavities during the breeding period. The supplied sources do not give incubation, fledging or dependence periods.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing and disturbance are most likely to harm the species from April to August because nests, eggs and dependent young may be present in termite mounds.

Identification

The Hooded Parrot is a medium-sized, strongly sexually dimorphic parrot. Its most distinctive field feature is the use of termite mounds for nesting.

Adults are up to 26 cm long and weigh 50 to 60 g. The male has a black head, brown upperparts, turquoise to blue-green lowerparts, a yellow wing patch and an olive-green tail with a pale blue tip.

The female is duller, with a grey-brown head, generally dull green plumage and pink to salmon undertail coverts. Young birds resemble females, and young males may take up to two years to develop adult head colour.

Identification: Similar species

Separate the male from the Golden-shouldered Parrot by the absence of a pale frontal band, the larger yellow wing patch and the absence of red on the abdomen.

Females can resemble female Yellow-shouldered Parrots. The absence of a pale frontal band and red on the abdomen assists identification.

Identification: Field signs

The clearest site sign is a nest cavity excavated in a termite mound. Excavation can take about three weeks, and the entrance leads to a generally horizontal tunnel about 50 to 80 cm long.

The supplied sources do not describe diagnostic calls, tracks, scats, feathers, roosts or eyeshine. Do not treat an occupied or recently excavated termite mound as a minor feature during site inspection.

Distribution: National range

The Hooded Parrot is an Australian endemic restricted to the Northern Territory. The supplied sources do not provide a mapped bioregional range, population estimate or named stronghold network.

The species is recorded from the Northern Territory, particularly north-eastern parts of the Territory. It occurs in semi-arid savannah and open woodland.

No records from other Australian states or territories are given in the supplied sources. The sources do not assign the species to named IBRA bioregions.

Distribution: Strongholds and trend

The species has declined from much of its original range but remains common in protected areas. The supplied sources do not identify particular protected areas, subpopulations or population estimates.

The population is described as stable in the supplied recent summary, but no abundance or trend value is provided.

Population estimate: Not reported in the supplied sources

Range trend: Declined from much of the original range

Current distribution context: Still common in protected areas

Habitat: Habitat types

Hooded Parrots use semi-arid savannah and open woodland in north-eastern Northern Territory. Habitat information in the supplied sources is broad and does not define particular vegetation associations or elevation limits.

The species occurs in savannah and open woodland, including semi-arid areas of north-eastern Northern Territory.

Suitable sites need termite mounds for nesting as well as nearby open or lightly wooded areas that provide seed and other food resources.

Habitat: Structural features

Termite mounds are the defining breeding feature. The species generally selects cone-shaped mounds and excavates a cavity and horizontal tunnel within the mound.

The supplied sources do not provide tree-size requirements, vegetation density thresholds, elevation limits or a specified climate envelope.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding habitat

The Hooded Parrot is primarily a seed-eating parrot that also takes berries and plant material. The supplied sources do not identify particular food plant species or quantify its foraging range.

The diet consists mainly of seeds, with berries and vegetables or other plant material also reported.

Foraging is associated with the savannah and open woodland habitats used by the species. The supplied sources do not describe feeding height, flock size, daily movement distance or specific food plants.

Foraging habitat: Site assessment

During clearing assessments, inspect open woodland and savannah around termite mounds, not only the mound itself. Retain connected feeding habitat around any mound identified as a possible nest site.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Hooded Parrots breed in excavated cavities within termite mounds. Breeding habitat therefore depends on intact termite mounds and surrounding savannah or open woodland that supports feeding.

Breeding season: April to August

Breeding frequency: Once or twice a year

Clutch size: Usually 4 or 5 white, slightly shiny eggs; one source reports 4 to 6

Egg size: About 21 mm by 19 mm

Incubation period: Not reported in the supplied sources

Age at maturity: Not reported in the supplied sources

Lifespan: Not reported in the supplied sources

Breeding habitat: Nest habitat

The female excavates a nest cavity in a termite mound. Cone-shaped mounds are generally selected, although excavation may occur at the edge of a flatter mound.

Excavation takes about three weeks. The nest tunnel is generally horizontal and about 50 to 80 cm long.

  • Avoid clearing, filling, grading or compacting termite mounds during the April to August breeding period.
  • Inspect termite mounds for fresh excavation, entrances and activity before disturbance.
  • Retain surrounding savannah or open woodland that provides access to food and cover.

Sheltering habitat: Termite mound cavities

The documented shelter and nesting structure is the termite mound cavity. Other roosting or refuge structures are not described in the supplied sources.

Hooded Parrots excavate cavities in termite mounds for nesting. The tunnel is generally horizontal and about 50 to 80 cm long.

The mound cavity may also provide shelter for eggs and dependent young. The supplied sources do not describe non-breeding roosts, tree hollows, burrows, ground cover or refuge distances.

  • Treat intact termite mounds as potential breeding or shelter structures until inspected and cleared under the project fauna procedure.
  • Prevent cattle, vehicles and machinery from damaging termite mounds retained near works.

Threats: Development and land use

The main documented risks are loss of termite mound nesting sites, broader range decline, cattle damage and contamination. The supplied sources do not provide species-specific evidence for fire, hydrology change, disease or fragmentation effects.

Clearing, earthworks and vehicle access can remove or damage termite mounds used for nesting. Cattle can also damage termite mounds in breeding areas.

The species has declined from much of its original range, although it remains common in protected areas.

  • Map and protect termite mounds before clearing or construction begins.
  • Keep machinery, vehicle routes and stock away from retained mounds.
  • Plan disturbance outside the April to August breeding season where practicable.

Threats: Contamination and predation

A recorded incident involved 28 immature birds dying after drinking water contaminated with tar near a road spill.

The monitor lizard Varanus tristis has been recorded raiding nests for eggs.

  • Prevent access to contaminated water, spills and waste water around active works.
  • Manage spills promptly and inspect water points near roads and work areas.

Threats: Evidence gaps

The supplied sources do not describe species-specific effects of fire regimes, road mortality, habitat fragmentation, hydrology change or disease. Project risk assessments should address these pathways where they are relevant to the local site and works.

Survey methodology: 1. Habitat and termite-mound inspection

Survey the Hooded Parrot where works affect semi-arid savannah, open woodland or termite mounds in north-eastern Northern Territory. The supplied sources do not provide a species-specific survey effort, so use the current Northern Territory survey requirements and set effort according to habitat quality, disturbance footprint and approval conditions.

Map semi-arid savannah, open woodland, feeding areas and all termite mounds within and near the disturbance area.

Inspect termite mounds for Hooded Parrot excavation, fresh spoil, feathers, droppings, birds entering cavities and other signs of current or recent nesting.

Record mound location, condition, damage, nearby vegetation and whether the mound could be retained during the works.

Give particular attention to conical mounds and to cavities with horizontal tunnels, which may extend about 50 to 80 cm into the mound.

Nest excavation period: About three weeks

Reported nest tunnel length: About 50 to 80 cm

Survey methodology: 2. Systematic bird searches

Search retained woodland, savannah edges, termite-mound fields and likely feeding areas during periods when parrots are active and visible, particularly early morning and late afternoon.

Walk or drive fixed transects that cover the disturbance footprint and adjoining retained habitat, and record the route, time, weather, habitat and search duration.

Record all visual and auditory detections, including sex where identifiable, flock size, flight direction, feeding activity, territorial behaviour and use of termite mounds.

Use binoculars and photographs where possible because the species can be confused with Golden-shouldered and Yellow-shouldered Parrots.

Adult body length: Up to 26 cm

Adult mass: About 50 to 60 g

  • Repeat searches when initial conditions are poor, including strong wind, heavy rain, extreme heat or poor visibility.
  • Use the current Northern Territory fauna survey guidance to specify transect length, repeat visits and observer effort for the project.

Survey methodology: 3. Breeding-season assessment

Prioritise targeted checks from April to August because breeding is reported during these months.

Treat an active cavity, repeated adult visits, excavation, alarm behaviour or dependent young as evidence requiring protection and project review.

Do not enter or damage a termite-mound cavity to confirm occupancy.

Survey surrounding retained habitat as well as the direct clearing area because adults may feed away from the nest mound.

Reported breeding period: April to August

Reported clutch size: Four or five eggs

  • Record the number and condition of termite mounds and identify those that could be affected by plant, vehicle movement, vibration, drainage changes or cattle access.
  • Obtain advice from the relevant Northern Territory wildlife authority before disturbing a suspected active nest.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Apply the current Northern Territory survey guideline and any approval condition where they specify survey timing, effort or methods.
  • Document survey dates, observers, weather, start and finish times, routes, area searched, equipment, detection conditions, negative results and all limitations.
  • Submit confirmed records and suitable photographs to the relevant Northern Territory wildlife database and provide records required by the project approval.
  • Report the locations of termite mounds, suspected nest cavities, injured birds, deaths and any contamination event to the relevant wildlife authority.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Plan the works around the species' use of termite mounds for nesting and its association with savannah and open woodland. Retain nest structures and connected habitat wherever practicable, particularly during the April to August breeding period.

  • Avoid clearing termite mounds and retain all mounds with evidence of excavation, nesting or repeated Hooded Parrot use.
  • Retain adjoining savannah and open woodland that provides feeding, shelter and movement habitat.
  • Keep retained mounds connected to retained vegetation rather than leaving isolated habitat patches where the design allows.
  • Prevent cattle, vehicles, spoil placement, drainage works and compaction from damaging retained termite mounds.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and work planning

  • Confirm the species' current Commonwealth and Northern Territory conservation status before works begin, and obtain any required wildlife permits, approvals or authorisations.
  • Check whether the project requires an EPBC Act referral or other Commonwealth approval, even though the supplied profile records the species as not listed under the EPBC Act.
  • Schedule clearing outside April to August where practicable, and obtain wildlife authority advice before disturbing a suspected active nest during that period.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that maps termite mounds, retained habitat, exclusion areas, fauna handling procedures, stop-work triggers and reporting responsibilities.

Before habitat disturbance: Pre-clearance preparation

Species identification size: Up to 26 cm long

Male identification features: Black head, turquoise-blue lower parts and a yellow wing patch

Female identification features: Duller green plumage, grey-brown head and pink undertail coverts

  • Complete a pre-clearance survey immediately before works and update the map of termite mounds and Hooded Parrot observations.
  • Mark retained mounds, breeding areas, exclusion zones and access routes clearly for machinery operators.
  • Install exclusion fencing where it can prevent vehicle access, spoil storage or accidental entry without trapping birds or blocking normal movement.
  • Brief machinery operators and the fauna spotter catcher on the species' appearance, termite-mound nesting behaviour and stop-work procedure.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and supervision

Use daily controls to prevent damage to termite mounds and allow the fauna spotter catcher to manage unexpected bird activity. Stop work when the approved fauna management plan or wildlife authority direction requires it.

  • Inspect exclusion fencing, mound protection and access controls at the start of each shift and after heavy vehicle movement or rain.
  • Keep machinery, laydown areas, spoil and water discharge outside marked termite-mound exclusion areas.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher during clearing and other high-risk activities where required by the fauna management plan or approval.
  • Maintain communication between the fauna spotter catcher, machine operator, supervisor and environmental officer throughout clearing.

During habitat disturbance: Fauna handling and stop-work triggers

  • Stop the relevant activity if a Hooded Parrot is found in the work area, enters a termite mound, shows injury, or is at risk from machinery or falling material.
  • Allow an uninjured bird to leave naturally where it can do so safely, and do not chase, corner or handle it unnecessarily.
  • Ensure only an appropriately authorised fauna spotter catcher handles or relocates the bird, in accordance with the permit and fauna management plan.
  • Relocate an uninjured bird only to suitable nearby retained habitat approved by the relevant wildlife authority or project ecologist.
  • Transport an injured bird promptly to a veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer, and record the incident and chain of custody.
  • Stop work and seek advice before disturbing any active nest, eggs, dependent young or occupied termite-mound cavity.

During habitat disturbance: Habitat feature handling and records

Documented contamination incident: A group of 28 immature birds died after drinking tar-contaminated water near a road spill

Known mound threat: Damage by cattle in breeding areas

  • Do not dismantle, excavate, drive over or relocate a termite mound unless the action is specifically authorised and managed by the project plan.
  • Keep excavated soil, runoff, fuel, chemicals and contaminated water away from retained mounds and feeding habitat.
  • Record every sighting, flush, handling event, injury, death, nest, mound impact and stop-work event with location, date, time and action taken.
  • Photograph affected termite mounds and retain the photographs with the daily environmental records.
  • Report any contamination-related bird mortality immediately to the environmental officer and relevant wildlife authority.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Confirm that retained habitat and termite mounds remain usable after clearing and that controls have not failed. Continue records and monitoring where the works affected breeding habitat, feeding areas or movement between retained patches.

  • Inspect all retained termite mounds and exclusion zones after clearing, vehicle access and major construction activities.
  • Check for physical damage, changed drainage, erosion, spoil deposition, contamination, fresh excavation and signs of Hooded Parrot use.
  • Complete a post-clearance fauna search for trapped, injured or displaced birds before removing temporary controls.
  • Repair fencing and mound protection immediately if construction activities have damaged them.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

Breeding period for follow-up: April to August

  • Monitor retained habitat and termite mounds during the next suitable breeding period where the project affected known or potential nesting areas.
  • Use the same mapped locations and search methods used before disturbance so changes in detections and mound condition can be identified.
  • Report clearance results, incidents, nest outcomes, rehabilitation actions and monitoring results to the approval holder and relevant wildlife authority.
  • Submit verified post-construction records to the relevant Northern Territory wildlife database.

After habitat disturbance: Ongoing controls and offsets

  • Maintain exclusion fencing, erosion controls, contamination controls and vehicle restrictions until the environmental officer confirms that they are no longer required.
  • Investigate any reduction in Hooded Parrot detections, damaged mound or mortality records and apply corrective action.
  • Implement any offset, compensatory habitat measure or additional monitoring required by the approval or wildlife authority.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore habitat structure

Rehabilitation should restore the open woodland and savannah structure used by Hooded Parrots and protect the termite mounds that provide nesting cavities. The supplied sources do not identify particular plant species, so use locally native species and seed sources suited to the pre-clearing community.

  • Re-establish locally native savannah and open woodland vegetation around retained termite mounds and along connections between retained habitat.
  • Use local provenance species from the relevant Northern Territory vegetation community rather than introducing non-local plants.
  • Control weeds so planted and naturally regenerating vegetation can develop into suitable feeding and shelter habitat.
  • Do not cover, reshape, compact or place infrastructure on retained termite mounds during rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation actions: Protect nesting resources

Reported nest substrate: Termite mounds

Reported excavation duration: About three weeks

Reported tunnel length: About 50 to 80 cm

  • Retain existing termite mounds wherever possible because the species excavates its own nesting cavity in the mound.
  • Prevent cattle and other stock from entering rehabilitation areas where they could damage termite mounds.
  • Do not install nest boxes as a substitute for retained termite mounds unless a wildlife authority or species specialist approves the design and need.
  • Do not place logs, rocks, mulch or fill against termite mounds where this could obstruct access, alter drainage or damage the structure.

Rehabilitation actions: Fire, predators and monitoring

Diet: Primarily seeds, berries and vegetables

  • Prepare a fire management approach that maintains the open savannah and woodland structure while avoiding damage to retained termite mounds and recovering vegetation.
  • Manage feral predators and other nest threats in accordance with the project plan and Northern Territory requirements.
  • Inspect rehabilitation areas and termite mounds during establishment and through at least one April to August breeding period where the project has affected nesting habitat.
  • Measure success using survival and cover of locally native plants, weed control, stable and undamaged termite mounds, absence of contamination and confirmed Hooded Parrot use where monitoring is required.

Sources