Today we're going to discuss the impact of urbanization on local wildlife. In particular, I want to focus on how city parks can serve as habitats for native bird species. A recent study conducted in Melbourne tracked the movement of rainbow lorikeets over a two-year period. The researchers found that these birds rely heavily on mature eucalyptus trees for nesting, but they also use smaller shrubs for feeding. Interestingly, the study showed that parks with a mix of native and exotic plants attracted a greater variety of birds than those with only native plants. However, the presence of domestic cats near park edges significantly reduced bird numbers, especially ground-feeding species. So, while urban parks are beneficial, their design must consider both vegetation diversity and predator control.