Home

Community urged to call out sightings of invasive birds as South West flocks start forming

Craig DuncanHarvey-Waroona Reporter
While its dazzling yellow crest may seem appealing, the sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of WA’s most loathed pests. 
Camera IconWhile its dazzling yellow crest may seem appealing, the sulphur-crested cockatoo is one of WA’s most loathed pests.  Credit: pen_ash/Pixabay

The community is being urged to call out sightings of invasive sulphur-crested cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets as flocks start forming in the South West

With a flock touching down in Lake Clifton earlier this month, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is calling for residents to keep their eyes open for more sulphur-crested cockatoos.

Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group executive officer Teele Hooper-Worrell said the birds’ presence posed a major risk to the region’s agriculture and natural environment.

“These cockatoos will predate upon native birds and fledglings, and compete with native bird species for food and shelter,” she said.

“They also cause damage to cereal, oilseed and legume crops, fruit and vegetable crops, and timber, eating stock feed, stored grain and hay.”

A DPIRD spokesperson said the birds were known to exist in several areas as far south as Lake Clifton reaching across Meelon, with ongoing surveillance and control programs aiming to stem the southern flow.

While the spread of sulphur-crested cockatoos is yet to reach south of the shire of Waroona, another invasive bird has managed to sneak as far as Australind.

A rainbow lorikeet sitting on a pink flowering gum nut tree, isolated against the cloudy blue sky
Camera IconRainbow lorikeets are to be reported as they cause significant damage to agriculture. Credit: Jackson Photography - stock.adob

Ongoing surveillance and control programs for rainbow lorikeets were also in place, said the DPIRD spokesperson, which included them being “removed”.

Ms Hooper-Worrell said it was important for the public to keep an eye out for the pests and report any sightings,

“Both of these birds are very striking and easy to spot, and therefore report,” she said.

“Sulphur-crested cockatoos have a bright yellow plumage in their crest and are larger than corella species, and rainbow lorikeets are brightly coloured.”

Reports can be made to DPIRD through the Pest and Disease Information Service by calling 9368 3080, by emailing padis@dpird.wa.gov.au, or via the MyPestGuide Reporter app.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails