A juvenile swift parrot is on the road to recovery after being found injured on a Tasmanian roadside in early December.
The bird, named Aurora, was rescued by Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary’s 24/7 rescue service and transported to its wildlife hospital.
Veterinary staff found severe bruising to her upper chest, leaving her unable to fly.
“Given the injuries and being found roadside, it’s suspected the youngster was hit by a car,” the sanctuary said.
After a week of treatment, Aurora was well enough to be transferred to a registered rehabilitator.
The carer will monitor her foraging behaviours and flight ability before releasing her back into the wild.
Swift parrots are one of just three migratory parrot species and breed only in Tasmania.
Estimates suggest just 500 to 700 birds remain in the wild, putting them at high risk of extinction within 20 years.
Habitat loss, climate change and nest predation by sugar gliders are driving the decline.
Bonorong has admitted 19 swift parrots through its rescue service since 2018.
“While the team enjoys working with animals of all kinds, being part of the journey to help rescue and rehabilitate critically endangered species such as our swift parrots is always a highlight,” the sanctuary said.
Aurora will remain under observation until she demonstrates she can forage and fly independently.
The sanctuary wished her “the best of luck on her journey back to the wild”.
