Search on for rare parrot

Swift Parrot by marj k.Conservationists are searching for an endangered bird species that's been seen on the New South Wales far south coast.

There are only 1500 Swift Parrots left in the world and they are currently on their winter migration from Tasmania.

A flock of about 50 have been seen in flowering eucalypt forest near Bermagui and more have been seen in a residential area at Tura Beach, north of Merimbula.

Birds Australia conservation project officer, Chris Tzaroff, says the parrot looks like a smaller version of a lorikeet but with a more musical call.

"These are iconic of our south-eastern Australia temperate forests and woodlands," he said.

"They are very important being nectar feeders.

"They almost certainly play an important role in pollenisation but more importantly they are a key part of the biodiversity of these areas.

"It is very sad to see these iconic species dropping out of the system."