South Australia is home to an incredible array of native birdlife, from cheeky Rainbow Lorikeets to elegant Eastern Rosellas. But for many of our feathered friends, finding a safe place to nest is becoming increasingly difficult.
Urbanisation and land clearing have removed many of the old, hollow-bearing trees that birds rely on to raise their young. Without these natural cavities, species such as Red-rumped Parrots and Rainbow Lorikeets can struggle to find a home.
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.
Nest boxes are a simple but powerful tool for conservation. They:
- Provide shelter and nesting sites for small parrot species such as Rainbow Lorikeets, Red-rumped Parrots and Eastern Rosellas
- Help protect birds from predators when installed high in safe, suitable trees
- Give nature a boost in areas where natural hollows are scarce
For this project, we are using a Faunature Small Parrot Bird Box, which is specially designed for species like lorikeets and rosellas. If you’d like to support native birds in your own backyard, these boxes can be purchased via faunature.com.au.
Once installed, nest boxes can be lined with wood shavings to create a welcoming space for new feathered families. They can also be checked annually to refresh the bedding and ensure the box remains a safe haven.
This initiative is part of Zoos SA’s focus on supporting local wildlife during National Science Week, shining a light on the importance of bird habitats and the small actions that make a big difference.
“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 learn how to create and install your own nest box?
Give our local birds the homes they need and enjoy the joy of seeing new feathered neighbours in your own backyard!
