Forensic techniques essential for locating Cryptic Parrots in large Australian landscapes

Parrots are typically very vocal and easily observed, often possessing bright colours and loud obvious calls. However hidden in the outback of Australia is an enigma that has evaded well intentioned researchers for nearly a decade. The Western Ground Parrot (Pezoporus wallicus flaviventris) is a critically endemic parrot that only calls and flies in the late night and very early in the morning, when it is too dark to be observed. Its calls are indistinct and copied by many mimicking birds. This well camouflaged parrot walks and feeds amongst dense vegetation in day, its nests are made on the ground and have not been located for nearly 100 years. The difficulty of locating and studying these birds will be discussed as will the forensic techniques used to locate low numbers of cryptic birds in seemingly continuous habitat. Such techniques were conducted over three consecutive breeding season and provided researchers with the first records of essential elements of biology such as breeding strategy, predator avoidance and feeding behaviour.