“Night Parrot”, one of the world’s rarest birds found in South Australia after remaining out of sight for more than a century

Birdwatchers ‘elated’ after snapping photo of the endangered species in state’s arid interior in discovery that could significantly impact on mining developments

 This photo of a rare night parrot, thought to be extinct in Western Australia, was captured in the state’s arid inland region  by a team of bird enthusiasts. Photograph: Bruce Greatwich

Night parrot, one of the most elusive and peculiar birds in the world, that has been stayed out of sight for more than a century now, has been discovered by wildlife researchers in South Australia.

Marking a noteworthy discovery, ecologists John Young and Keith Bellchambers from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) have found a feather from the parrot on Kalamurina Station, around northern Lake Eyre in July this year.

The night parrot was feared extinct in Australia until 2013 when one was photographed in Queensland by ecologist John Young.

What makes this specie different from others parrots is that it goes out in search of food at night and its holds features similar to those of owls than parrots.