Orange-bellied parrots have swelled back from imminent extinction - but now they face a new threat

Experts warn approving a windfarm in the habitat of one of Australia's most critically endangered birds could be 'rolling the dice' on their survivalSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton's free Clear Air newsletter hereGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne of Australia's most critically endangered bird species has started arriving at Melaleuca, in Tasmania's south-western world heritage area. By late this week, six orange-bellied parrots had turned up at the remote outpost to breed, having made the weeks-long flight from the mainland, across Bass Strait and down the state's wild west coast.Relatively little is known about where the birds go during the winter, other than that it is a hazardous journey for a bird that weighs about 40 grams. In recent years, only about half the parrots that leave Melaleuca, the species' sole wild breeding site, have returned in spring. Continue reading...