HOME | DD

Description

Species Name: Australian King Parrot

Species Latin Name: Alisterus scapularis

SubSpecies Names:

Alisterus scapularis Minor

Alisterus scapularis Scapularis

Native To: Australia

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Photo Taken At: Healesville Sanctuary

Size (length): 41-43cm (16 – 17 inches)

Weight: 195-275g (6.8 - 9.7oz

Lifespan: 25-30 years

Lifestyle: Oviparous, terrestrial, arboreal

Population Trend: Decreasing

Description:

The Australian king parrots vary in colouration depending on the sex of the individual bird. The males have a brilliant bright red along their head and throughout most of their body. Their wings are a green colour with a hint of blue in parts. These birds have yellow eyes with a dark brown iris. They have a red upper beak and an orange lower beak with black closer to edges of the beak.

The females in contrast will mostly be green with only a little of the brilliant red being visible near the feet. The females will have a completely black beak. Both the male and female will have blue feathers on their rump/tail.

Diet:

These birds are omnivores but the majority of their diet will consist of seeds nuts. They will generally feed off Acacia, Eucalyptus, and other plants. They will also eat various berries, fruits, blossoms, nectar, leaf buds and occasionally insects.

Behaviour:

These birds have a variety of different calls, when flying these birds will generally make a 'crassak-crassaak...crasaak' call. When faced with a potential threat these birds will let out a warning call which is more like a harsh, metallic shriek. When a male is perched they will make a high pitched 'pwee-eet...pwee-eet' call. The females are generally much quieter than their male counterparts.

Breeding season for these birds generally take place during the months of August to January but these times may vary depending on where the birds are located. The males will engage in displays where they tend to tighten their plumage and stretch. The females on the other hand will beg for food and bob their heads. These birds are monogamous and pair for life.

Their nests are built and placed in the dense forests where they live. The nests are placed in the hollows of trees usually in the trunk of a Eucalyptus. The nest is lined with wood shavings and wood dust. Three to six eggs will be laid by the female and the mother will incubate the eggs for twenty days whilst the male keeps her company. Both parents will take responsibility for feeding the young until they fledge which takes about 5 weeks after they hatch.

Further Reading (general information):

Wikipedia: Australian king parrot - Wikipedia

Birdlife: Australian King-Parrot | BirdLife Australia

Kidadl: 15 Amaze-wing Facts About The Australian King Parrot For Kids (kidadl.com)

Animalia: Australian king parrot - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio

Australian Museum: Australian King-Parrot - The Australian Museum

Birds In Backyards: Australian King-Parrot | BIRDS in BACKYARDS

World Life Expextancy: AUSTRALIAN KING PARROT LIFE EXPECTANCY (worldlifeexpectancy.com)

Description

Species Name: Australian King Parrot

Species Latin Name: Alisterus scapularis

SubSpecies Names:

Alisterus scapularis Minor

Alisterus scapularis Scapularis

Native To: Australia

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Photo Taken At: Healesville Sanctuary

Size (length): 41-43cm (16 – 17 inches)

Weight: 195-275g (6.8 - 9.7oz

Lifespan: 25-30 years

Lifestyle: Oviparous, terrestrial, arboreal

Population Trend: Decreasing

Description:

The Australian king parrots vary in colouration depending on the sex of the individual bird. The males have a brilliant bright red along their head and throughout most of their body. Their wings are a green colour with a hint of blue in parts. These birds have yellow eyes with a dark brown iris. They have a red upper beak and an orange lower beak with black closer to edges of the beak.

The females in contrast will mostly be green with only a little of the brilliant red being visible near the feet. The females will have a completely black beak. Both the male and female will have blue feathers on their rump/tail.

Diet:

These birds are omnivores but the majority of their diet will consist of seeds nuts. They will generally feed off Acacia, Eucalyptus, and other plants. They will also eat various berries, fruits, blossoms, nectar, leaf buds and occasionally insects.

Behaviour:

These birds have a variety of different calls, when flying these birds will generally make a 'crassak-crassaak...crasaak' call. When faced with a potential threat these birds will let out a warning call which is more like a harsh, metallic shriek. When a male is perched they will make a high pitched 'pwee-eet...pwee-eet' call. The females are generally much quieter than their male counterparts.

Breeding season for these birds generally take place during the months of August to January but these times may vary depending on where the birds are located. The males will engage in displays where they tend to tighten their plumage and stretch. The females on the other hand will beg for food and bob their heads. These birds are monogamous and pair for life.

Their nests are built and placed in the dense forests where they live. The nests are placed in the hollows of trees usually in the trunk of a Eucalyptus. The nest is lined with wood shavings and wood dust. Three to six eggs will be laid by the female and the mother will incubate the eggs for twenty days whilst the male keeps her company. Both parents will take responsibility for feeding the young until they fledge which takes about 5 weeks after they hatch.

Further Reading (general information):

Wikipedia: Australian king parrot - Wikipedia

Birdlife: Australian King-Parrot | BirdLife Australia

Kidadl: 15 Amaze-wing Facts About The Australian King Parrot For Kids (kidadl.com)

Animalia: Australian king parrot - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio

Australian Museum: Australian King-Parrot - The Australian Museum

Birds In Backyards: Australian King-Parrot | BIRDS in BACKYARDS

World Life Expextancy: AUSTRALIAN KING PARROT LIFE EXPECTANCY (worldlifeexpectancy.com)