As towns and cities grow and more trees are cleared, the old, hollow tree trunks that birds once used to raise their chicks are disappearing. This makes it really hard for small parrots—like Red-rumped Parrots, Rainbow Lorikeets, and Eastern Rosellas—to find the safe spaces they need.
That’s where nest boxes come in!
“By building and installing nest boxes, we’re giving native birds an artificial hollow to nest in, replicating the safe spaces they’d naturally find in old trees,” explains Julie, Acting Community Conservation Educator at Zoos SA.
What are Nest Boxes?
Nest boxes are like birdy bedrooms! They give small parrots a cosy, safe space up high in a tree where they can lay eggs and raise chicks without worrying about predators or bad weather.
Why Nest Boxes are important
- Give birds shelter and a place to nest
- Help species that are losing their natural homes
- Can be installed in your own backyard!
Zoos SA is using the Faunature Small Parrot Bird Box, which is specially made for Aussie species like lorikeets and rosellas. You can grab your own at faunature.com.au and even help out the birds in your neighbourhood!
Once your nest box is up, pop in some wood shavings to make it extra comfy. You can check on it once a year (yes, only once a year!) to refresh the bedding and make sure it’s still a safe space for feathered families.
This bird-friendly project by Zoos SA was part of National Science Week, helping kids and families learn how to care for local wildlife and take action in their own backyards.
“Everyone can play a part in helping our native birds,” says Julie. “Whether it’s installing a nest box, planting native trees, or simply protecting the old trees in your area, every effort helps our wildlife thrive.”
Want to make your own Nest Box? Check out this video by FauNature…
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