Molecular and Phylogenetic Characterisation of a Highly Divergent Novel Parvovirus (Psittaciform Chaphamaparvovirus 2) in Australian Neophema Parrots

Parvoviruses under the genus Chaphamaparvovirus (subfamily Hamaparvovirinae) are highly divergent and have recently been identified in many animals. However, the detection and characterisation of parvoviruses in psittacine birds are limited. Therefore, this study reports a novel parvovirus, tentatively named psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus 2 (PsChPV-2) under the genus Chaphamaparvovirus, which was identified in Australian Neophema birds. The PsChPV-2 genome is 4371 bp in length and encompasses four predicted open-reading frames, including two major genes, a nonstructural replicase gene (NS1), and a structural capsid gene (VP1). The NS1 and VP1 genes showed the closest amino acid identities of 56.2% and 47.7%, respectively, with a recently sequenced psittaciform chaphamaparvovirus 1 from a rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus). Subsequent phylogenetic analyses exhibited that the novel PsChPV-2 is most closely related to other chaphamaparvoviruses of avian origin and has the greatest sequence identity with PsChPV-1 (60.6%). Further systematic investigation is warranted to explore the diversity with many avian-associated parvoviruses likely to be discovered.

An Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus attacking a Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus moluccanus being fed by people

Pelicans are generally piscivores, but occasionally prey on smaller waterbirds and other animals. I observed an Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus capture a Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus moluccanus after both species had been attracted to people scattering seed for birds. The Pelican briefly caught the Lorikeet by the tail, but the Lorikeet escaped and flew away. To my knowledge, this is the first report of any pelican species capturing a parrot. It is unclear whether the Pelican was attempting to eat the Lorikeet.

Guided by the light: Roost choice and behaviour of urban Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus)

1. The formation of large communal roosts is a conspicuous phenomenon associated with a wide range of bird species successfully exploiting urban environments. In many Australian cities, the abundance of the Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus), a native parrot, has increased markedly in recent decades, with the species roosting in very large numbers within suburban sites. These roosting locations are noisy and cause significant fouling of the land beneath, resulting in conflict with humans. 2. We investigated the selection of roosting sites in this species in Brisbane, Australia, by comparing characteristics of both the general sites of these roosts as well as individual trees used within roosting sites and trees that were avoided. 3. Lorikeets used a wide variety of tree types for roosting but demonstrated a clear preference for clumped trees within sparsely treed areas that received significantly more artificial light at night than otherwise suitable sites and trees nearby. 4. These features of roosting sites may enhance the detection of nocturnal predators by Rainbow Lorikeets, suggesting a potential positive impact of anthropogenic lighting. Our findings provide valuable insights into the management of roost-related conflicts in urban areas. We encourage further investigations into the possible benefits of artificial light.