Coxen's Fig-Parrot - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 31 Jul 2009

Profile last updated: 25 Feb 2024

Description

Double-eyed Fig-Parrots, also known as Coxen’s Fig-Parrots, are small, dumpy, green parrots with very short tails. The wings are blue-edged and appear to be set well back in flight. At rest there are two obvious red spots on the back. The head has distinctive red and blue markings with a prominent blue forehead in the adults. They can distinguished from small lorikeets by their short tail and lack of underwing colour.

Distribution

Limited to about five populations scattered between Bundaberg in Queensland and the Hastings River in NSW. The total number is thought to be less than 200 birds which makes it one of Australia’s most endangered birds.

Habitat and ecology

Usually recorded from drier rainforests and adjacent wetter eucalypt forest but rarely seen due to its small size and cryptic habits. Also found in the wetter lowland rainforests that are now largely cleared in NSW.
The bird shows a decided preference for fig trees, but also feeds on other fruiting rainforest species, lichen, nectar and grubs.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Clearing of rainforest, wet schleropyll and ecotone habitat and clearing of fig trees on farms for agricultural purposes.
Clearing of habitat for rural and residential development.
Logging or clearing of eucalypt forest adjacent to rainforest.
Habitat fragmentation, including loss of connectivity between summer and winter feeding areas.
Illegal bird trapping and egg collection
Dissection of habitat corridors by roads.
Small population sizes make populations susceptible to stochastic events and fluctuations in food supply.
Low numbers, preventing a social breeding triggers being activated and reducing available breeding partners.
Weeds, particularly exotic vines and scramblers, impacting on habitat and food treed.
Burning of rainforest and wet schleropyll ecotone areas preventing establishment of additional habitat and foraging resources.
Insufficient understanding of distribution.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Retain and protect areas of rainforest and adjoining wet eucalypt forest.
Preserve remnant large fig trees on farmland.
Contribute to the replacement of habitat by planting appropriate fig trees on farms and functioning habitat corridors.
Support community surveys for the Coxen's Fig-Parrot and report all sightings immediately to the OEH.
Report suspected illegal bird trapping and egg collecting to the OEH.
Undertake weed control, particularly for vine weeds, in habitat that may support the species.
Ensure appropriate fire regimes are implemented in Coxen's Fig-Parrot habitat.
Undertake predictive modelling of the distribution of the species.
Protect habitat through planning legislation and development assessment.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Double-eyed Fig Parrot Recovery Plan. NSW NPWS, Hurstville NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Fauna. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Cataract	Predicted	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None

Images

Illustration: Double-eyed Fig-Parrot
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Related information

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species