Swift Parrot resting on tree branch

Discovering Swift Parrots Education Package

Are you ready to embark on a journey to protect one of Australia’s most endangered birds?

Discovering Swift Parrots is a comprehensive educational resource designed for primary schools, offering a unique opportunity to explore the plight of the critically endangered swift parrot (Lathamus discolor).

Two tailored packages

  1. The Journey Begins (Year 3 and 4)
  2. A Closer Look (Year 5 and 6)

Each package includes a range of activities and lessons for schools, as well as some online and hands-on learning opportunities.

See below to read more about each package and access the resources.

Key Learning Areas

  • Science
  • Geography
  • Creative Arts
  • English
  • Physical Education

Aligned with Curriculum Outcomes

Both packages are carefully aligned with the New South Wales and Australian Curriculum outcomes, ensuring a seamless integration into your classroom.

Ready to take action?

Download our resources today and inspire your students to become advocates for the swift parrot.

Contact Nicole Maher at Murrumbidgee Landcare to arrange for a classroom presentation about the swift parrot.

The Journey Begins

— Year 3 and 4 —

The Journey Begins starts at the very beginning by introducing students to the swift parrot.

This includes identification, physical characteristics, migration, habitat, diet, breeding, life cycles, conservation status, threats and an introduction to the recovery effort of this critical endangered bird.

Download the Education Kit

Interactive Online

A Closer Look

— Year 5 and 6 —

A Closer Look continues the journey exploring the world of the swift parrot.

Students will delve deeper into taxonomy and classification of the swift parrot, migration, adaptations, food chains, pest species, climate change and conservation efforts around Australia.

Download the Education Kit

Interactive Online

About the swift parrot

Swift parrots (Lathamus discolor) are one of Australia’s rare species of parrot and are listed as critically endangered under Australian Government legislation. In 2023, it was estimated that less than 500 birds live in the wild. Without conservation efforts, this unique and iconic species may become extinct.

The swift parrot is a beautiful and unique bird that is native to Australia. It is a small parrot with bright and colourful feathers, making it a real sight to behold! You can recognise the swift parrot by its special alarm sound, its sleek body, its pointy tail and the flashes of bright red you can see when it spreads its wings. 

The swift parrot is a little bird that, like its name suggests, can fly really fast! In fact, it is the fastest parrot in the world, being clocked at up to 88 kilometres per hour. 

Swift Parrot